Alexander and Ann Sloane of Savernake Station have identified almost 200 native plant species on their property to date. The family has retained 400 ha of native forest, with 90 ha in near pristine condition. This provides habitat for up to 120 species of birds and other native fauna. The property has 400 ha of wetland along an intermittent creek. Copses and corridors of native vegetation throughout the property are an integral part of stock management and soil health for enhanced productivity in both wool and cereals.
Native grasslands provide valuable pasture.
Ann propagates stock from their own seed sources for on-farm vegetation improvement, is developing a native seed orchard, and is involved with local environmental education. Their farming enterprises include wheat, field peas, canola and sheep. Their farming practices employ direct drilling and stubble retention and they see trees as part of their farming program. They subsequently fenced two sites, totalling 9 acres when they noticed that White Cypress Pines were emerging in greater numbers than the lupin crop that had been planted. There are several native grasses established, Needlewood, Emu bush and Yellow Box trees at other fenced off locations, and there are also some interesting Aboriginal sites on Kilpa.