Living Soils is a unique project - ongoing until May 2027. Unlike our usual stand alone workshops, this is a soil improvement process that we invite you on for a nine-month journey. The project involves learning about soil life and composting techniques, while also seeing it applied in the field. Granite Borders have two field sites, one in Ballandean, Qld; and one at Woodside, Tenterfield. While you are welcome to follow the journey of both sites, it may be more practical for you to follow one, buy joining the field days for one or the other. You will be able to indicate which one when you register for the events.

In addition to the compost work on site, there will be two film nights, one in Stanthorpe and one in Tenterfield, relevant to the project themes. These evenings will include panels of local participants in creating living soils, Guy McKenzie and Lachlan Searle, as well as our learning guides, Lana Tyacke, Ron Hannah and Graeme Sait.

As part of your journey, you will learn how to use Microbiometers. You can bring your own sample in to test, and Ron can interpret further with a more powerful microscope.

In addition, you will be encouraged to contribute to our composting piles (on site) - either by dropping your 'offerings' off at the Landcare office, or bringing them to pre-organised field day events.

Each event will be ticketed separately, so watch this space to register for each event!

This is just an expression of interest, so please indicate if you are interested in either Ballandean, Qld, or Woodside, NSW.

In summary:

Learn about Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMOs), two composting techniques (anearobic and worm farm), creating compost extracts and how they contribute to soil repair and landscape rehydration. 

Topics for the field days will include: 

1. Soil Repair: Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMO), information session, collection and nurturing techniques and options. Participants will learn about testing using micro-biometers, and will be able to bring in samples for testing and further analysis by two of our local soil experts, Lana Tyacke and Ron Hannah.

2. Compost and Worm farming: demonstration of 2 types of compost techniques in the field . Contribute to our composts, watch them develop, be part of the process.

3. Two film events on IMO, composting and rehydration. These events will be held in Stanthorpe and Tenterfield and will include panel discussions from those involved in the project.

4. Contribute to joint learning, through compost 'donations' and testing your own soil life with our Microbiometers.

This is a nine month journey, bringing together landholders on both sides of the NSW-Qld border. Field days will be hosted on two properties, one near Tenterfield and one near Stanthorpe, so you can join the group closest to you. Follow one field site, or follow both, depending on your level of interest and availability.

Each event will be ticketed separately, so watch this space to register for each event!

This is just an expression of interest, so please indicate if you are interested in either Ballandean, Qld, or Woodside, NSW.