On Saturday 250 people turned up to the Mulloon Creek Natural Farms demonstration open day. Organisers of the event, MCNF and Landcare, were very pleased but not surprised at the interest shown in the Natural Sequence Farming methods employed at Tony Coote's property. People came from the near and far to see for themselves how the rehydration work, which started at the beginning of last year, had affected the creek.
Representatives from Government environmental agencies, national media, farmers and others interested in land management gathered at the old wool shed for a brief introduction from Tony Coote.
The attendees were split into groups, assigned a guide and taken to the low end of the creek to begin their 2.5km walk upstream. At each major structure along the way the guides explained the pond ecology, construction of leaky weirs, flow monitoring stations and other functions of the sites.
Ray Martin and his crew filmed the event, as part of an upcoming program on Peter Andrew's work and is expected to go to air in a few weeks. Ray interviewed many of the participants including local Member of Parliament, Gary Nairn.
After the walk a delicious lunch was handed out to the grateful throng, who then mingled and chatted before the organisers ended the day with a summary and a chance to ask questions. Scientist Michael Wilson was at his eloquent best with a spirited defence of the oft maligned willow.
There has been an enormous response to the opportunity to see Peter Andrews's techniques at work in the landscape and there will be another field day at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms coming up soon. Keep an eye on the website www.naturalsequenceassociation.or g.au
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