Discovering Sandhills Tour
A woodlands tour from Deniliquin to Wanganella
On Thursday, 16th April, thirty‑two landholders, community members and natural resource management professionals from across the Murray and Riverina gathered at Wanganella for the inspiring Discovering Sandhills Woodlands Tour, hosted by RGA Landcare and made possible thanks to the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
The tour was led by renowned ornithologist Phil Maher, whose extensive knowledge of the sites and their history, captivated the group. Phil’s insights into the connections between vegetation structure and bird life resonated strongly, helping participants better understand how biodiversity responds when habitat is restored and managed.
The first stop was Zara Sandhill, a remnant site, now managed under a BCT conservation agreement on private land. This site provided a benchmark for what biodiverse sandhill woodlands can look like when threats are reduced and active management supports natural processes.
At Wanganella sandhill, located on public land along the Cobb Highway, participants heard a remarkable story of long-term persistence. Just 25 years ago the site supported a single emu bush. Today, it contains thousands of trees, a testament to Phil Maher’s tenacity and determination to keep restoration efforts going over decades.
The final stop at the Monimail sandhill highlighted another innovative approach, with mistletoe deliberately introduced by Phil, to give the ecosystem a kick‑start. Once established, the mistletoe was readily dispersed by birds, demonstrating how targeted interventions can accelerate natural recovery.
Lead organiser Janet Manzin was delighted with the success of the event,
“It was amazing to have so many people coming from far and wide to see these sandhill sites and appreciate the work that has been done over the years to protect and enhance these areas.”
The Discovering Sandhills Woodlands Tour delivered a clear message of hope that when we give nature a chance and back it with knowledge and active on-ground commitment, a remarkable recovery can follow.
“Partnerships like this give BCT great coverage across the landscape and a much deeper understanding of the region’s biodiversity. Working with RGA Landcare and the community on days like this makes a real difference. It was an outstanding success.”
Photographs credited to Ryan Heffer Photography and Janet Manzin