The Problem: Running through Craig’s property is the Yarramanbah Creek which was a bare, native gravel dry creek bed. When it flooded, the water caused massive erosion, taking away rich river soil, wiping out plants and destroying the ecosystem with little/if any water remaining in the system.
What Did Craig Do: In 2006 with the help of Peter Andrews, Craig built natural sequence structures to redirect and slow down the water flow. He also managed his stock to allow plants to regenerate and multiply and is developing shelter belts on the creek banks.
The Results: Craig has created a live biological system capturing mulch and sticks which bind together to capture the silt and allow trees, herbs forbs and grasses to reestablish. The creek now flows permanently in parts and is forming a chain of ponds where a diverse variety and broader range of species have develops and increased He has seen a rise in fertility and now has a greater carrying capacity on his 1,100 acres.
We’d like to thank Craig Carter for his generosity in sharing his valuable experiences about natural sequence farming. A special thanks also to Maarten Stapper for sharing his insights, knowledge and time.
TALK THE WALK FOLLOW UP
Done watching the video?
Listen to the Follow up “Talk the Walk” Q&A Call Session
Hugo Disler interviews Craig Carter with Maarten Stapper
“Regenerating and Rehydrating the Landscape”
