Event Type
Landcare Region
BCT Region
M2T3 - Camera Trap Demo Day, Topi Topi
Join us with hosts, Scott and Mandy at their beautiful Topi Topi Conservation Property, where they combine conservation and primary production to learn all about Camera Traps and how to use them. Staff from MidCoast2Tops Landcare Connection and MidCoast Council will share practical tips about how to set up your camera trap for monitoring wildlife, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to manage your data. We will look at different models of camera trap, the use of lures and baits and the ethics of using this type of technology.
We will look at how camera trap data can be used to inform land management decisions, funding prioritisation and broaden our understanding of the environment.
The field component of the day will demonstrate how to choose and prepare a site to install your camera for best results.
Staff from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust will be available to offer support and share their expertise about best practice fauna monitoring, and the options available to landholders who are interested in Private Land Conservation.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
This event is part of the Private Land Conservation Matters program, funded by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust in partnership with Landcare NSW and supported locally by MidCoast Council.
Event Topics
Event Outcomes
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
"Wow Isabelle, what a great day!!!
One of the best training days I have attended for many years!
We both really enjoyed the day, it was very well planned, a great variety of speakers, we both really enjoyed seeing and hearing about the results of the Cameras.
I particularly enjoyed the use of lures and the discussions on the Audio side of the cameras.
Your own contribution was first class, it really made the day, the obvious tremendous amount of your preparation, use of overheads and first hand experience with the cameras, welcoming questions, contributed to the success of the day...
Lunch was also right up there, we love Kebabs.
I guess the downside is it will be very hard to top today!!!
Well done Isabelle, till next time."
Resources created by the BCT Land Libraries program
Camera Trap Event Feedback Summary
What attendees liked about the event
- High-quality presentations: Attendees praised the speakers as interesting and knowledgeable, with strong connections between technical information and real-world camera trap use.
- Rich information: The event offered a high level of detail, both practical and technical, which was appreciated by participants.
- Experienced presenters: The presence of experienced, hands-on presenters added value to the learning experience.
- Networking opportunities: Participants enjoyed being around like-minded people and learning from one another.
- Well organised: The event was noted as well-attended, well-delivered, and professionally run.
- Engaging content: Fun, informative, and personally relevant—many highlighted gaining new knowledge about camera traps.
Topics of interest for future learning
- More practical demos: Strong interest in hands-on learning and seeing camera traps in action.
- Property-based experiences: Attendees want to hear more from other landholders about their experiences with wildlife and habitat enhancement.
- Ecological topics: Including:
- Wet sclerophyll species and Eucalypt ID
- Water quality testing
- Data analysis
- General ecology and biodiversity topics
- Walks on properties to connect learning with the landscape
Suggestions for improvement
- More time outdoors: Several attendees wanted a more immersive experience on the property, rather than a brief 20-metre forest walk.
- Presentation environment: PowerPoint presentations were difficult to read due to room lighting and small text—better visual setup or a different venue may be needed.
- Venue location: Without a substantial outdoor component, some felt the event could have been held in a more convenient, accessible location.
- Overall sentiment: Despite a few logistical suggestions, the event was described as "fabulous," inspiring, and a great initiative to support landholders in wildlife conservation.