Landcare is about more than looking after the land

The results of the 2026 National Landcare Week Survey have put some numbers around something many of us involved in Landcare already know: Landcare is good for people as well as the environment.

The national survey of more than 1,200 Australians found that 93% of respondents had made friends or new social connections through Landcare, while 88% said they felt more connected to their local community. Almost two-thirds (64%) reported improved physical and mental wellbeing, and 46% said their mental resilience had improved.

These findings highlight that Landcare is about much more than planting trees, managing weeds or restoring habitat. It is also about getting outside, learning new skills, sharing knowledge and working alongside people who care about the places they live.

For many people, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and belonging. You might come along to a planting day because you want to help restore a local creek, but along the way you meet new people, learn something unexpected and become more connected to your community.

The survey also found that 83% of respondents regularly help care for their local environment — a powerful reminder of the contribution that community volunteers make across Australia. At the same time, 59% said recruiting volunteers is becoming harder, highlighting the importance of creating welcoming and accessible opportunities for people to get involved.

Here at Up2Us, we see these benefits in action every day. Whether it's planting native trees, monitoring wildlife, learning about our local environment or simply spending time together outdoors, Landcare gives us an opportunity to care for our landscape while strengthening the community around us.

The 2026 survey is a great reminder that when we care for our environment together, we care for each other too.

Want to learn more? Read the full National Landcare Week 2026 Survey Report from Landcare Australia.