Land Care Program
The improved pasture developed at Birdwood Downs increases sustainable stocking capacity over ten times that of native pasture in the Kimberleys, leading to abundant production of cattle fodder and hay which are sold locally. Cattle are also used for selective grazing to assist seed production and for pasture upgrade, and to serve as a demonstration of the increased weight gains possible with developed savannah pasture. Begun in 1978, Birdwood Downs Company (previous known as Savannah Systems Pty. Ltd.) has undertaken a program to create an increasingly biodiverse sustainable ecology in this overgrazed invaded pindan country. The aim is to contribute to the beauty, stability, and cultural growth of the region. Easily erodable fossil sand dunes cross the pindan at about one kilometer intervals. The sand dune areas are basically left to the local trees. Native grasses are re-establishing themselves. The invasive "wattle" from the previous overgrazing is removed when economically feasible.
Experiments are being run on Aloes, Cashews, Mahogany, Albezia, Mangoes, Bananas, and Papaya trees. Earth worms have been added to the Homestead soil, and efforts made to work with the termites. Savannah Systems is well-known for its bird life, and ornithologists have stayed there to make observations. Some fifty or more bird species have been sighted. Since 1978, some 1000 acres on the station bear witness to the success of these efforts. Plants native to the ecosystem are being encouraged on the other 4000 acres.
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The severe environmental challenges
of Northwest Australia's Kimberley region and a history of overgrazing
have resulted in widespread land degradation to semi-desert conditions,
and to an invasion of poorer grasses, shrubs, and scrub trees in place
of the original native grass savannahs with majestic Eucalyptus, Baobobs,
and Bauhenia. 
The flat country between the
sand dunes is fundamentally planted with Birdwood and a stylo, generally
Verano, while Boabs, White Gums, Woolly butts, Bloodwood, and Bauhenia
are encouraged. Cattle are an essential part of the system; early
grazing helps keep out Gallan's Curse. Haying and seed harvesting
are the other two sources of revenue.