Charles Massy on Regenerative Farming: Native Grasses, Birdlife & Water Design Tips

Farm Learning with Tim Thompson | 17 May 2025 | Back to All Videos
Charles Massy, author of Call of the Reed Warbler, is a leading voice in regenerative agriculture. In this exclusive walk-through on his Monaro property, Charles shares what decades of practice have taught him—from the return of native kangaroo grass to birdlife regeneration, grazing rotation, water infrastructure, and what we can all learn from nature’s cues.

Whether you’re new to regen ag or a seasoned landholder, this interview is packed with insights on:
🌱 Native plant reintroduction and its ecological benefits
🐦 Bird species revival and natural pest control
💧 Efficient water cell design for rotational grazing
🪵 Tree breaks, fencing, and paddock management
🐑 How 7-wire fences and smart design reduce costs and animal stress

▶️ Don’t miss this rare look behind the scenes with one of Australia’s most respected regenerative thinkers.

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00:00 Intro – Charles Massy and Regenerative Ag
00:50 The Return of Kangaroo Grass
02:00 Ecosystem Signals: Forbs and Native Diversity
03:30 Historical Decline of Native Pastures
04:50 Birdlife Recovery and Insect Control
06:30 Tree Breaks & Habitat for Insectivorous Birds
08:00 Learning from Mistakes – Tree Break Design
09:30 Water Cell Layout for Efficient Grazing
11:00 Managing Shade, Camp Sites & Animal Flow
12:20 Fencing Simplified – 7 Wire + Droppers
13:00 Final Thoughts from the Walk
14:10 Interview Wrap-Up & Thanks to Charles