Lakemere Human-Induced-Regeneration

Lakemere Station situated in North west Bourke in New South Wales, has been under the care of Jim and Annabel Strachan since the early 1980’s.

The Strachans are well versed in land management, and understand that inhabiting such a dry and sparse landscape does not come without its hardships. Despite their best efforts, the combination of long-term grazing, drought, and feral animal suppression had taken a toll on regenerating vegetation across the landscape.

In 2015, the Strachans took a step towards implementing a more sustainable land management by supporting growth of native vegetation through a human induced regeneration project. By incorporating a carbon project into their business, the Strachans have developed expertise in regenerating vegetation at the same time as running a mixed farming business with cattle and sheep.

By implementing regenerative agricultural principles into their day-to-day land management, the Strachans have greatly improved their own environmental awareness, and their improved knowledge has greatly reduced the impact of grazing on land.

The introduction of an additional and diversified income stream from carbon farming has taken the pressure off financially, and has enabled reinvestment into the property. The Strachans are now able to keep on top of fencing improvements and watering point upgrades to ensure natural regeneration and grazing can coexist.

Proactive land management of firebreaks and fence lines also helps to minimise the impacts of natural disasters, like fires, on the Station.

“We’re half environmentalists anyway,” says Jim. “If we don’t look after the land it won’t look after us, and this works hand in hand.”