North-east of Cobar in NSW, Kergunyah is a 11,745ha property that runs around 500 head of sheep and is home to several flora and fauna species recognised as vulnerable or threatened.

After discovering that broad scale clearing in the region was attributed as the main factor in loss of habitat, the property’s leasehold owners, Peter and Pat, decided to explore how they could run their grazing operation while also protecting the region’s sensitive ecosystems.

In partnership with GreenCollar, the family established the Kergunyah Native Forest Protection Project. Registered in 2015, the project maintains and improves the vegetation structure of open woodlands and shrublands, to enhance biodiversity and landscape values within the native forest, including Acacias, Eremophilas, Callitris and Eucalyptus.

By ceasing broadscale clearing, mitigating fire risk, and protecting the soil from degradation through managed grazing, the family have achieved their goal of running a profitable business while protecting and regenerating numerous native plant species and protecting native wildlife.

Sadly, Peter passed away in 2021, but Pat is continuing their work. As a result of the project, the family report increased ground cover and water retention across the landscape which has assisted the business in periods of drought, as well as spotting small marsupials such as Kultarr and Hopping Mice – native species that are usually threatened by habitat clearing in the region.