Drone photo of tree planting project with tractor and cars in the foreground

Ballardong Noongar Country

Bencubbin, WA​

Bencubbin is located in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, approximately 270 kilometres north-east of Perth. This 22 hectare planting site is part of a larger property owned by a local farming family. Since the 1900s, this region has been extensively cleared for agriculture, causing a range of environmental issues. By planting a diverse mix of native species, the aim of this project is to create a natural wind buffer to reduce erosion, improve soil quality, and restore biodiversity. After 25 years the landholders will be able to harvest the valuable sandalwood timber, creating a mutually beneficial restoration model for all involved.

Since 2018, more than 22,000 seedlings and 51 kg of seed have been planted across the project site. Additional Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) seedlings were planted this winter to bulk up patchy areas and increase the number of Sandalwood hosts across the site.

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HA
PLANTED
K
Seedlings Planted
Species
Planted

Project overview

  • Planting type: Biodiverse sandalwood
  • Region: Western Australian Wheatbelt
  • Planted: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
  • Size: 22 hectares
  • Seedling count: 22,852
  • Seed weight: 51 kg
  • Partner: Farmwoods and Sandalwood Solutions
  • ERF registered: Yes (Farm Forestry Methodology)
  • Legal permanence: 25 years

Latest news

Bitumen road leading towards the horizon with native Australian bush on either side

MONITORING & INFILL

Coming Up

More sandalwood nuts will be sown next Autumn. Comprehensive monitoring assessments will be conducted annually until the site is established (approx. 6 years).

Person sitting in a tree planting machine surrounded by seedlings

Infill

July 2022

Ros (Sandalwood Solutions) and the CPOZ team planted an additional 6,000 Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) seedlings across patchy areas of the site. A combination of machine and hand-planting was used with the aim to increase the number of sandalwood host trees. Sandalwood seeds will be sown next to these trees next Autumn.

Person walking towards a row of shrubs

MONITORING

May 2022

Ros (Sandalwood Solutions) and Jess (CPOZ) headed to site in early May to conduct a full monitoring assessment. Results indicated that average stocking density had declined slightly from the previous year, to 757 trees/ha. High variability between sites was noticeable, mainly due to fauna predation. The tallest tree was an Acaica lasiocalyx (‘Silver shaggy wattle’) which measured an impressive 4.2 metres.

Photo showing rows of green, planted shrubs in a paddock.

MONITORING & SANDALWOOD INFILL

July 2021

Monitoring results from July showed an average of 840 stems per hectare; a significant improvement from previous years. There was still a notable variation between the plots, with lower density around the perimeter as a result of predation from rabbits and kangaroos. An additional 7.5kg of Sandalwood seed was planted across the site and further infill of host species recommended for the following winter.

Close up photo of a persons hands holding a small round nut and a red metal tube.

INFILL PLANTING

July 2020

An additional 4,326 Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) seedlings were hand-planted across the site to increase stocking density. This species was chosen as it is the main host species for Sandalwood. In addition to the Acacia seedlings, a further 7.5kg of Sandalwood seed was hand-planted across the site using pottiputki planting devices.

A black tray of Australian native seedlings

MONITORING

November 2019

Results from the monitoring assessment indicated a significant difference in stocking density (trees/ha) between the two planting compartments (more than 1,000 trees/ha in the northern compartment and ~351 trees/ha in the southern compartment). This difference may be attributed to pest damage as the southern compartment is directly adjacent to remnant bushland. Further infill was recommended to ensure the desired stocking density was met.

A black tray of Australian native seedlings

INFILL & SANDALWOOD PLANTING

August 2019

As recommended, an additional 2,464 seedlings were hand-planted to “bulk-up” patchy areas across the site. These were predominately the host species Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) and Eucalytpus loxophleba (‘York Gum’). Approximately 30kg of Sandalwood seed (Santalum spicatum) was also planted across the site with seeds being hand-sown next to established host trees.

Man wearing glasses and a hat hammering a wooden stake into the ground of a sandy paddock.

MONITORING

July 2019

A full assessment of the planting site was conducted a year after the initial planting. The team monitored 11 random quadrats across the site, collecting data on species diversity, germination, height and survival. Overall, the average survival rate was around 60%, however this varied significantly between quadrats (47% to 84%). Infill planting was recommended for the following winter in order to reach the desired stocking density across the project site.

Photo of a dried paddock with a row of small planted seedlings.

MONITORING

January 2019

Initial monitoring was conducted during summer to assess survival. Results showed an overall survival rate of around 85%. This was deemed a positive result considering the drier than average conditions the area had experienced. The team noted some pest damage (likely kangaroos and rabbits) particularly around the perimeter of the site where they had nibbled seedlings. This was recorded and additional pest control was recommended for the area.

Tractor towing a trailer driving across a sandy paddock.

PLANTING

July 2018

Over a three day period, approximately 10,000 seedlings and 6kg of native seed mix was planted across the site. A direct seeding machine was used to plant both seed and seedlings, making fast work of the large area. In total, 25 different native species were planted. Acacias, which act as hosts for sandalwood, represented a large proportion of this mix. Other species planted on the site included several Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Hakea species.

Photo of a sandy paddock with a white ute in the far right next to a tree line.

SITE PREPARATION

May 2018

To prepare for planting, the site (which consists of two main compartments) was scalped and ripped. This process removes weeds from the seed bank and loosens the soil so seedling roots can establish successfully. Pest control and weed management was undertaken to minimise competition. Fencing was established around the site to prevent sheep, kangaroos and rabbits from grazing on the new seedlings.

What we planted

Acacia Illustration

Acacia

16 species
sandalwood host
short lifespan
nitrogen fixing​

Illustration of an Allocasuarina

Allocasuarina

2 species
nitrogen fixing​
hardwood tree
frost-tolerant

Casuarina illustration

Casuarina

1 species
salt and drought tolerant
attracts native birds
nitrogen converter

Eucalyptus Illustration

Eucalyptus

4 species
high survivability in nutrient-poor soils
fast maturing tree
utilised for canopy cover

Illustration of a Hakea

Hakea

1 species
hardy shrub
endemic to Australia
fire-adapted germination

Sandalwood Illustration

Santalum

1 species
hemiparasitic
aromatic timber
edible

Project gallery

Photo of a sandy paddock with a white ute in the far right next to a tree line.
Initial site photo prior to planting.
Photo of a sandy paddock with a roll of fencing wire on the ground in front of a white ute bonnet.
Fencing being established around the perimeter of the planting site.
Fenced and ripped ready for planting.
Woman wearing gloves holding pot over a smoking pot
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) treating the native seeds with smoke to aid the germination process.
Seed collection and treatment process.
Large white sheets covered with small brown seeds
Native seed being dried following the smoke treatment.
Trays of native Australian seedlings on the ground with two empty blue buckets in the foreground
Seedlings ready for planting.
Lady sitting in a trailer wearing a navy blue beanie and high vis yellow vest holding a seedling
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) in the planting trailer.
Woman wearing a high-vis vest and beanie with her back to the camera and man wearing red jacket standing at a direct seeding trailer.
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) and Peter Ritson (Farmwoods) in the process of planting.
A man's hand holding a handful of mixed native seed mix over a full bucket of seeds
A handful of native seed mix ready for planting.
Tractor towing a trailer driving across a sandy paddock.
Direct seeder being towed by a tractor in the process of planting.
Close up of Eucalyptus seedlings planted in a ripped line
Eucalyptus seedlings planted in the ripped line.
Close up photo of a persons hands holding a small round nut and a red metal tube.
Sandalwood seed being placed into a pottiputki planting device.
Vibrant green seedlings in trays on the ground.
Seedling trays of Acacia and Eucalyptus for planting.
White bucket full of large, round sandalwood seeds.
Sandalwood seed ready for planting.
Photo of a dried paddock with a row of small planted seedlings.
Initial survival of seedlings in Summer 2019.
An established seedling growing in sandy soil with dry crops.
A well established Eucalyptus seeding during Monitoring 2019.
Man wearing glasses and a hat hammering a wooden stake into the ground of a sandy paddock.
Volunteer setting up a monitoring quadrat.
Three people in beanies and dark jackets surrounding a small shrub.
Ros (Sandalwood Solutions), Peter (Farmwoods) and Alice (CPOZ) admiring a thriving plant.
Photo showing rows of green, planted shrubs in a paddock.
Planting rows showing good establishment and growth during monitoring in July 2021.
Man in blue clothing standing next to a tree in a paddock.
Peter (Farmwoods) checking the growth of a tree during monitoring.
Drone photo showing birds eye view of green rows of planted shrubs.
Drone photo of established planting rows across the Bencubbin site.
Small and bushy green tree growing in a paddock.
Established Eucalyptus tree.
Close up photo of three long pink flowers and light green foliage.
Hakea francisiana (‘Emu tree’) near the Bencubbin planting site.
Echidna burrowed in the ground surrounded by small green ground covering plants.
Echidna enjoying the winter sun during monitoring at Bencubbin.
Girl wearing a black jacket and pink beanie taking notes on a clipboard next to a man holding a measuring stick with a native Australian shrub in the foreground.
Dr Peter Ritson (Farmwoods) and Jess (CPOZ) recording data during monitoring.
Close up of a native Australian Acacia tree
Close up of a healthy Acacia spotted during monitoring.
Wattle plant with yellow flowers
Beautiful flowering Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’).
Dense green shrubs in a row
A few very healthy Acacia resinimarginea (‘Old Man Wodjil’) shrubs.​
Shrub with very straight leaves
Acacia brumalis (‘Winter wattle’).
Person walking towards a row of shrubs
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) next to a dense planting row.
Three rows of green shrubs in a paddock
Great growth along planting rows.
Woman standing with a white pole next to a tree
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) standing next to a very tall Acacia lasiocalyx (‘Shaggy wattle’).
Sunset over a farm paddock
Sunset over the planting site.
Close up photo of leaves and small red flowers
Flowering Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) from the surrounding bushland.
Flowering Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’) inbetween various other Acacia species.
Drone photo of tree planting project with tractor in the foreground
Infill lines ripped and planted in a patchy area of the site.
Gloved hand feeding a seedling into a tree planting machine
Feeding one of the Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) seedlings into the machine planter.
Paddock with lines ripped ready for tree planting
New lines planted to infill patchy areas of the site.
Acacia acuminata seedling planted in the middle of a rip line
One of the 6,000+ seedlings planted by Ros (Sandalwood Solutions) and the CPOZ team.
Drone photo of tree planting project
Infill lines ripped and planted in a patchy area of the site.
Person sitting in a tree planting machine surrounded by seedlings
Gail (CPOZ) feeding seedlings into the machine planter.
Drone photo of successful native tree planting project with
View looking east over a well-established part of the site.
White ute and tractor on paddock
Gail (CPOZ), Jess (CPOZ) and Ros MacFarlane loading seedling trays onto the tractor.
Ripped planting line in yellow soil
Infill planting row
Photo of a sandy paddock with a white ute in the far right next to a tree line.
Initial site photo prior to planting.
Photo of a sandy paddock with a roll of fencing wire on the ground in front of a white ute bonnet.
Fencing being established around the perimeter of the planting site.
Fenced and ripped ready for planting.
Woman wearing gloves holding pot over a smoking pot
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) treating the native seeds with smoke to aid the germination process.
Seed collection and treatment process.
Large white sheets covered with small brown seeds
Native seed being dried following the smoke treatment.
Trays of native Australian seedlings on the ground with two empty blue buckets in the foreground
Seedlings ready for planting.
Lady sitting in a trailer wearing a navy blue beanie and high vis yellow vest holding a seedling
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) in the planting trailer.
Woman wearing a high-vis vest and beanie with her back to the camera and man wearing red jacket standing at a direct seeding trailer.
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) and Peter Ritson (Farmwoods) in the process of planting.
A man's hand holding a handful of mixed native seed mix over a full bucket of seeds
A handful of native seed mix ready for planting.
Tractor towing a trailer driving across a sandy paddock.
Direct seeder being towed by a tractor in the process of planting.
Close up of Eucalyptus seedlings planted in a ripped line
Eucalyptus seedlings planted in the ripped line.
Close up photo of a persons hands holding a small round nut and a red metal tube.
Sandalwood seed being placed into a pottiputki planting device.
Vibrant green seedlings in trays on the ground.
Seedling trays of Acacia and Eucalyptus for planting.
White bucket full of large, round sandalwood seeds.
Sandalwood seed ready for planting.
Photo of a dried paddock with a row of small planted seedlings.
Initial survival of seedlings in Summer 2019.
An established seedling growing in sandy soil with dry crops.
A well established Eucalyptus seeding during Monitoring 2019.
Man wearing glasses and a hat hammering a wooden stake into the ground of a sandy paddock.
Volunteer setting up a monitoring quadrat.
Three people in beanies and dark jackets surrounding a small shrub.
Ros (Sandalwood Solutions), Peter (Farmwoods) and Alice (CPOZ) admiring a thriving plant.
Photo showing rows of green, planted shrubs in a paddock.
Planting rows showing good establishment and growth during monitoring in July 2021.
Man in blue clothing standing next to a tree in a paddock.
Peter (Farmwoods) checking the growth of a tree during monitoring.
Drone photo showing birds eye view of green rows of planted shrubs.
Drone photo of established planting rows across the Bencubbin site.
Small and bushy green tree growing in a paddock.
Established Eucalyptus tree.
Close up photo of three long pink flowers and light green foliage.
Hakea francisiana (‘Emu tree’) near the Bencubbin planting site.
Echidna burrowed in the ground surrounded by small green ground covering plants.
Echidna enjoying the winter sun during monitoring at Bencubbin.
Girl wearing a black jacket and pink beanie taking notes on a clipboard next to a man holding a measuring stick with a native Australian shrub in the foreground.
Dr Peter Ritson (Farmwoods) and Jess (CPOZ) recording data during monitoring.
Close up of a native Australian Acacia tree
Close up of a healthy Acacia spotted during monitoring.
Wattle plant with yellow flowers
Beautiful flowering Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’).
Dense green shrubs in a row
A few very healthy Acacia resinimarginea (‘Old Man Wodjil’) shrubs.​
Shrub with very straight leaves
Acacia brumalis (‘Winter wattle’).
Person walking towards a row of shrubs
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) next to a dense planting row.
Three rows of green shrubs in a paddock
Great growth along planting rows.
Woman standing with a white pole next to a tree
Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) standing next to a very tall Acacia lasiocalyx (‘Shaggy wattle’).
Sunset over a farm paddock
Sunset over the planting site.
Close up photo of leaves and small red flowers
Flowering Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) from the surrounding bushland.
Flowering Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’) inbetween various other Acacia species.
Drone photo of tree planting project with tractor in the foreground
Infill lines ripped and planted in a patchy area of the site.
Gloved hand feeding a seedling into a tree planting machine
Feeding one of the Acacia acuminata (‘Jam Wattle’) seedlings into the machine planter.
Paddock with lines ripped ready for tree planting
New lines planted to infill patchy areas of the site.
Acacia acuminata seedling planted in the middle of a rip line
One of the 6,000+ seedlings planted by Ros (Sandalwood Solutions) and the CPOZ team.
Drone photo of tree planting project
Infill lines ripped and planted in a patchy area of the site.
Person sitting in a tree planting machine surrounded by seedlings
Gail (CPOZ) feeding seedlings into the machine planter.
Drone photo of successful native tree planting project with
View looking east over a well-established part of the site.
White ute and tractor on paddock
Gail (CPOZ), Jess (CPOZ) and Ros MacFarlane loading seedling trays onto the tractor.
Ripped planting line in yellow soil
Infill planting row
Photo of a sandy paddock with a white ute in the far right next to a tree line.
Photo of a sandy paddock with a roll of fencing wire on the ground in front of a white ute bonnet.
Woman wearing gloves holding pot over a smoking pot
Large white sheets covered with small brown seeds
Trays of native Australian seedlings on the ground with two empty blue buckets in the foreground
Lady sitting in a trailer wearing a navy blue beanie and high vis yellow vest holding a seedling
Woman wearing a high-vis vest and beanie with her back to the camera and man wearing red jacket standing at a direct seeding trailer.
A man's hand holding a handful of mixed native seed mix over a full bucket of seeds
Tractor towing a trailer driving across a sandy paddock.
Close up of Eucalyptus seedlings planted in a ripped line
Close up photo of a persons hands holding a small round nut and a red metal tube.
Vibrant green seedlings in trays on the ground.
White bucket full of large, round sandalwood seeds.
Photo of a dried paddock with a row of small planted seedlings.
An established seedling growing in sandy soil with dry crops.
Man wearing glasses and a hat hammering a wooden stake into the ground of a sandy paddock.
Three people in beanies and dark jackets surrounding a small shrub.
Photo showing rows of green, planted shrubs in a paddock.
Man in blue clothing standing next to a tree in a paddock.
Drone photo showing birds eye view of green rows of planted shrubs.
Small and bushy green tree growing in a paddock.
Close up photo of three long pink flowers and light green foliage.
Echidna burrowed in the ground surrounded by small green ground covering plants.
Girl wearing a black jacket and pink beanie taking notes on a clipboard next to a man holding a measuring stick with a native Australian shrub in the foreground.
Close up of a native Australian Acacia tree
Wattle plant with yellow flowers
Dense green shrubs in a row
Shrub with very straight leaves
Person walking towards a row of shrubs
Three rows of green shrubs in a paddock
Woman standing with a white pole next to a tree
Sunset over a farm paddock
Close up photo of leaves and small red flowers
Drone photo of tree planting project with tractor in the foreground
Gloved hand feeding a seedling into a tree planting machine
Paddock with lines ripped ready for tree planting
Acacia acuminata seedling planted in the middle of a rip line
Drone photo of tree planting project
Person sitting in a tree planting machine surrounded by seedlings
Drone photo of successful native tree planting project with
White ute and tractor on paddock
Ripped planting line in yellow soil