Greening the Yorke Peninsula Field Days Site

Check out how Grassroots Grants is being used to create shade and shelter for visitors and volunteers while demonstrating the practical value of trees in agricultural environments at the Yorke Peninsula Field Day site 💚.  A Grassroots Grants case study.

Every second year, the Yorke Peninsula Field Days brings together farmers, families and industry from across the region – with around 20,000 visitors attending the Paskeville site.

The site has highlighted a challenge shared by many agricultural landscapes: lack of shade, shelter and vegetation cover.

With support from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board Grassroots Grants Program, Yorke Peninsula Field Days Inc is addressing this challenge through a targeted native tree and shrub planting project at the Field Days site.

The project is establishing 500 native trees, shrubs and understorey plants across parks and fence lines at the Paskeville Field Days site.

These plantings will:

• Reduce dust during large events
• Provide shade for visitors and volunteers
• Improve shelter from wind
• Enhance the overall amenity of the site

Importantly, the project also creates a living demonstration of how native vegetation can support agriculture and community wellbeing.

Species have been carefully selected in partnership with a local native plant nursery, focusing on:

• Local provenance where possible
• High drought tolerance
• Benefits for agriculture, such as windbreaks and shelter
• Habitat for native birds and beneficial insects

By choosing species suited to local conditions, the project increases the likelihood of long‑term survival and reduced maintenance.

The project is being delivered by the people who know the site best.

Site preparation, planting and early maintenance will be carried out by:

• Volunteers from local Agricultural Bureaus
• Members of the Yorke Peninsula Field Days committee
• Supported by in‑kind assistance from Northern and Yorke Landscape Board staff

Planting will be staged to manage workload and ensure safe, effective volunteer participation.

Young plants will be protected with guards to prevent damage from rabbits and kangaroos.

A watering program over the first 18 months will support establishment, and replacement planting will be undertaken if losses occur – recognising the realities of dry conditions and variable seasons.

Turning the site into a learning space. Beyond improving the Field Days site itself, the project has a strong education focus.

Signage across the site will:

• Acknowledge Grassroots Grants funding
• Highlight the role of native vegetation in agriculture
• Explain benefits such as dust control, shelter and biodiversity

A feature article in the Country Times will further share the story, showcasing collaboration between farmers, community and the Landscape Board.

By greening a highly visible, well‑used agricultural site, Yorke Peninsula Field Days Inc is leading by example.

Visitors won’t just hear about the benefits of native vegetation – they’ll experience them firsthand, under the shade of trees planted by their own community.

With just over $5,000 in Grassroots Grants funding, matched by strong volunteer effort and in‑kind support, the project delivers benefits that will grow year after year.

It demonstrates how:

✅ Native vegetation supports agricultural landscapes

✅ Community effort multiplies the impact of funding

✅ Field Days can be a platform for practical learning

Grassroots Grants  are delivered by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and are a great example of South Australia’s landscape levy at work, supporting local knowledge and community‑led action empowering communities to care for their environment.

Last year, the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board's Grassroots Grants (2025-2026) awarded $194,654 through the landscape levy to support volunteers, schools, community groups, First Nations, councils and landholder groups sustainably manage landscapes through on-ground work and education. 

Expressions of Interest for the 2026-2027 round have closed.  Stay tuned in early 2027 for the opening of the next round.