Gabbin, WA​

Located in the northern Wheatbelt of WA, this 52-hectare planting site is part of a larger property owned by a local farming family. Before being cleared in the early 1900s, much of this region was covered with native Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) woodlands. Without the protection of trees and shrubs, the land has suffered significant wind erosion and soil degradation. By planting a mix of native species alongside the sandalwood, this project aims to restore native vegetation and improve the eroded landscape. After 25 years the landholders will be able to harvest the valuable sandalwood timber, creating a mutually beneficial restoration model for all involved.

In 2021, we planted  more than 18,000 seedlings and 6 kg of biodiverse native seed across the site. Sandalwood seed was hand-sown in Autumn 2022, and a further 7,400 seedlings were planted in winter to bulk out any patchy areas. We will be returning to the site next Autumn to sow more Sandalwood seeds and monitor the progress of the planting.