Covenanting

The National Trust of Australia (WA)'s conservation covenant program has been assisting private landholders in the protection of natural values on their properties for more than 35 years. Our first conservation covenant was registered in 1971 and comparison of aerial photographs from 1972 and the present day shows that, not only has the bushland remained intact, but that it has regenerated over the years.

To date (updated November 2010), a total of 150 covenants have been registered over 62,000 hectares of private land protecting over 16,000 hectares  of bushland thereon throughout Western Australia.

Conservation covenants

A Conservation covenant is a permanent, voluntary legal agreement placed on a landholderís title to ensure protection of native remnant vegetation (bushland). Such conservation covenants are entered into between the National Trust and private landholders in accordance with Section 21A of the National Trust of Australia (WA) Act 1964.

In addition:-

- Covenants are flexible and designed to reflect the individual needs of the owner and the conservation requirements of the land.
- A management plan and the Trust's ensure quality ongoing management of the land.
- Covenants provide satisfaction to a landowner that the conservation values they cherish will be retained into the future.
- Covenanting private land complements the National Reserve System, providing lasting protection of nature conservation values on private land.

Deed & Management Plan

The National Trust covenant is supported by a deed and a management plan which both highlight positive actions to minimise the impact of certain land management practices and improve the quality of the bushland. Trust staff members assist with the implementation of the management plan and monitor the condition of the bushland through regular stewardship visits and contact with landowners in accordance with the Trustís stewardship  program
Please see the Publications page for the Covenant program's progress and our periodical, Covenanting News.

For more information on National Trust's conservation covenant program please visit www.naturalheritage.org.au