Sylvia Leighton
Landcarer and scientist, south coast region, WA
Sylvia was born in Tasmania. In 1965, at the age of eight months, she moved to the wilds of WA’s south coast, near Wellstead, where her parents started carving a farm out of the seemingly endless ‘scrub’.
By the time Sylvia had grown into adulthood, she had learned the ‘scrub’ was not endless, and that it was increasingly being recognised as one of the biologically richest areas in the world. Sylvia studied environmental science before working as a national park ranger in the Northern Territory, which added the richness of Indigenous culture and ways of living to her perspective.
She then spent years working in the WA State Government’s (former) Land for Wildlife program, which deepened her knowledge of the ecological diversity still being discovered in south-western Australia, along with the difficulties landholders’ face in managing bushland on their properties.
In 2013, Sylvia and partner Peter McKenzie purchased her parents’ Wellstead property, Wilyun Pools Farm, by which time much of it had been converted to blue gum plantations. They adopted low-cost regenerative farming systems that converted much of the property back to sheep grazing, and along the way established biodiverse plantings to create a network of wildlife corridors across the property.
At the same time, Sylvia completed a Masters thesis researching changes in soil health on the farm. She also lectured in conservation and land management at South Regional TAFE.
In 2021, Sylvia and Peter won the WA Landcare Farmers Award, and in 2022 won the National Farmer Award.
Sylvia is a graduate of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia and a Board Member of Gondwana Link.
Ambitious new plan taking shape at Wilyun Pools Farm
Sylvia Leighton celebrates a bold new future for the family’s farm at Wellstead. Those who worked with Sylvia and her partner Peter McKenzie to create and implement this change include a capital investor, a Noongar group, a carbon organisation and an ecological program. Sylvia showcases their perspectives to portray the thinking, teamwork and challenges behind the roll-out of this ambitious project.
Landcare family has passion for sustainable farming
Sylvia Leighton’s journey began in 1965 when her family arrived on a property teeming with native bushland, a stark contrast to the agricultural landscape that emerged through years of clearing. As a child, Sylvia and her siblings were pivotal in clearing and transforming the land to farm sheep, an experience that instilled a profound sense of responsibility within her. "Returning to this farm as an adult felt necessary," she reflects. "I wanted to rebuild the biodiversity we had lost." Alongside her partner Peter, Sylvia is dedicated to rehabilitating Wilyun Pools Farm, nurturing the once threatened ecosystems. They have transformed 110 hectares into thriving wildlife corridors, enriching habitats with over 30 native plant species. "We hope to create a legacy of biodiversity," she explains, acknowledging the intricate dance of nature and the knowledge she has acquired over the years. Sylvia’s collaboration with local Noongar Elders highlights her commitment to understanding and respecting the land’s cultural heritage. Their efforts aim not just for restoration but for sustainable coexistence with the environment, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant, healthy landscape. "Our long-term vision is to harmonize food production with ecological integrity," she states, embodying a deep respect for both nature and community.
Sylvia Leighton: A passion for ecologically-based farming
Sylvia Leighton is a farmer, landcarer and scientist with a passion for ecologically-based farming