Conservation covenants

Nature conservation covenants are voluntary agreements used to protect natural values on private property by restricting potentially damaging activities. Nature conservation covenants provide legal protection in perpetuity.

Through the provision of nature conservation covenanting and land management support, the National Trust is working with private landowners to conserve valuable bushland for the benefit of the community.

• 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 stewardship  program 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 covenant is supported by a deed and management plan, which highlight positive actions to minimise the impact of certain land management practices and improve the quality of the bushland. 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.

Conservation Covenant Program

The covenant program was formally established in 1999; however, the National Trust has been using covenants to protect native bushland 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 actually regenerated in some areas. To date, a total of 111 covenants have been registered, covering over 45,000 hectares and protecting more than 12,000 hectares of bushland.

Conservation Covenant Program Report 1999-2007 available for download.