Environmental Forum 2026

The Cavendish Red Gum Festival Environmental Forum will be held on Saturday 18 April 2026, centred on the theme The value and protection of isolated paddock trees. Moderated by Professor Andrew Campbell, the forum will bring together respected researchers and land management practitioners to examine the ecological importance of paddock red gums and practical approaches to protecting them.

Held at Cavendish Primary School, the morning session will feature Professor David Lindenmayer AO on the landscape-scale value of isolated trees, Lisette Mill on improving habitat outcomes, and Andrew Matheson of PF Olsen on red gum health in plantation and farming systems.

After morning tea, participants will walk to the Wannon River for field-based discussions on river health and riparian management with Roger Edwards and Alex Lewis, before concluding with a presentation by Andrew Skeoch on the sound of nature. An additional immersive session, Deep Listening to Nature, will be held at 3pm.

Supported by Eucalypt Australia, Glenelg Hopkins CMA and the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, the forum highlights the importance of informed, collaborative action to protect paddock trees and strengthen local landscapes.