The term “paddock trees” evokes a picture of large old trees with broad canopies standing alone in in fields of grass.  Their shape suggests they originally grew in uncrowded woodlands that allowed them to spread their canopies, and their size indicates that many pre-date the arrival of Europeans in Australia and survived the extensive clearing of the grassy woodlands. They are an icon of rural Australia.

Paddock trees have a unique role in biodiversity conservation.  They provide habitat for a wide range of species, particularly those that need hollows (including many bats and birds), and those that need the abundant food resources provided by large trees.  Even dead trees – standing starkly in paddocks – provide a home for many animals.  And, although they often stand alone, they can provide essential stepping stones for the movement of many different species between bushland patches.

But paddock trees – and all the large old trees in rural and urban landscapes – are under threat.  Standing on their own, they are vulnerable to the combination of wet ground and wind.  Stock camping in the shade compact the ground and add nutrients around the base of trees, and this affects the health of trees particularly in dry times.  And trees are seen as an impediment to cropping and a threat to people.  So they are in decline – and it will take 150 years or more to replace them and the essential habitat they provide for many species.

Many landholders – and landcare groups – recognise the value of paddock trees and have programs to protect them.  This includes fencing them from the impacts of stock and plantings to provide a wider ecological balance and physical protection to winds.  The aim is to ensure paddock trees survive until a new generation of trees grows to replace them.   

What you can do

1. Fence your paddock trees with a large enough enclosure to grow more trees plus the wattles and other species that will help with a healthy ecosystem around your iconic trees.  Physical removal of topsoils layers may reduce the nutrients and annual weed seeds in stock camps – obviously a first step before fencing and planting.

2. Promote the value of paddock trees and how to protect them.  The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has useful information and links to brochures and poster here, and there are many other on-line resources.  Speakers at Biolinks Alliance Symposia noted the importance of paddock trees for linking landscapes in general and gliders in particular (see talks by Veronica Doerr and Mason Crane).

3. Support Landcare programs to protect paddock trees.  Join your local group, and assist in seeking funding for paddock tree protection and participate in working bees on your and other people’s land.