Sustainable Farms is a research and extension initiative of The Australian National University’s Fenner School of Environment and Society. We work alongside farmers, natural resource management agencies, community organisations, and First Nations organisations; to better understand how biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming can be better supported within agricultural landscapes.

As the result of extensive habitat loss across Australia’s agricultural landscapes, these regions support a disproportionate number of threatened species and ecosystems. Sustainable Farm’s long-term ecological research provides practical evidence about how natural assets such as remnant woodland, shelterbelts, paddock trees, farm dams and riparian areas can be protected and restored to support the conservation of biodiversity. We translate this research into practical land management recommendations and resources that support landholders to make informed management decisions that also have benefits for sustainable agricultural production.

With support from the PMF Foundation, Sustainable Farms is undertaking a research program focused on the benefits of riparian restoration in agricultural landscapes across Victoria and New South Wales. In these largely cleared landscapes, waterways and their riparian areas provide important habitat, shelter and movement pathways for wildlife. Well-managed riparian zones also help to stabilise stream banks, improve water quality and strengthen farm resilience during climatic extremes.

Research findings will be translated into evidence-based management recommendations, and shared with landholders, natural resource management agencies, community organisations through community engagement activities, helping ensure future riparian restoration is well targeted, practical and effective.