Nanda Country
Eurardy, WA
Eurardy Reserve is located approximately 570 kilometres north of Perth and extends across more than 30,000 hectares of Nanda country. Formerly a pastoral station, Eurardy was purchased by Bush Heritage Australia in 2005 with the aim of protecting biodiversity and revegetating cleared areas. Eurardy is located in one of only 36 global biodiversity hotspots and is home to more than 500 native plant species, including five nationally endangered or vulnerable species. The Reserve forms a crucial ecological link between Kalbarri National Park and Toolong Nature Reserve.
We are working in partnership with Bush Heritage Australia to restore 1,350 hectares of cleared land with a mix of native trees and shrubs. Decades of extensive grazing have changed the landscape, and entire ecosystems have been modified. The aim of this project is to restore vegetation and protect the land from further degradation and habitat loss.
Project overview
- Planting type: Biodiverse Carbon
- Region: Mid-West, WA
- Planted: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Size: 1,350 hectares
- Seedling count: 624,586
- Partner: Bush Heritage Australia, Dr Geoff Woodall, and APACE
- ERF registered: Yes (Environmental Planting Methodology)
- Legal permanence: 100 years
Latest news
August 2023
Liv and Jess (CPOZ) were on site to monitor progress of the 2021 planting area. The average density had increased by 3% from the previous assessment to 400 trees/ha. The average survival rate across the 237 hectares was 68% – a pleasing result given the incredibly dry winter just gone. The average tree height had increased by more than 24% and the tallest tree measured during the assessment was a 1.9m Eucalyptus.
Winter 2022
Over a six-week period, the team (CPOZ, APACE WA, Rural Lifestyle Solutions and Ben Lake) planted more than 227,000 seedlings across the sandplain area of the Reserve. The seedling mix included a total of 43 different native species, all grown from seed collected at Eurardy. Rabbit-proof fencing was established around the planting area to exclude herbivores and give the seedlings the greatest chance of survival.
October 2022
The CPOZ team were on site for the annual monitoring assessment, measuring a total of 35 plots across the revegetation area. The 2020 area showed the greatest progress, with an average survival rate of 78% and an average height of 1.81m. The tallest tree measured was in the 2019 area – a 4.3m Eucalyptus loxophleba (‘York gum’). Relatively heavy weed cover and herbivore damage was observed in both the 2021 and 2022 areas.
October 2022
The team from APACE WA spent a week on-site collecting seed for the upcoming planting year. Key species included Lamarchea hakeifolia, Calothamnus chrysanthereus and Phymatocarpus porphyrochephalus. Seed-laden branches were collected from across the reserve. Once dry, the seed was processed using a series of fine sieves to remove leaves, stems and other debris, then taken to the nursery for seedling grow-out.
June 2022
Led by Dr Geoff Woodall, the team used a combination of machine and hand-planting techniques to plant more than 46,000 seedlings. The seedling mix included 26 different native species such as Lemarchea hakeifolia, Melaleuca eleuterostachya, and Calothmnus chrysanthereus. The seedlings were used to infill patchy areas of last year’s planting, as well as undertake a 27 hectare trial on the yellow sandplain area of the reserve.
March 2022
Project Manager, Dr Geoff Woodall, visited the site in early Autumn to check on progress. Having outgrown the weeds, seedling establishment in the 2019 and 2020 planting areas was impressive. Although the emus had caused some damage, the 2021 planting area exceeded expectations, with Acacia, Hakea, and Eucalyptus species establishing well.
Spring 2021
Louise (CPOZ) visited the site in September 2021 to check in on progress and touch base with contractors and planting partners. The team observed excellent seedling establishment and growth across the site; the trees clearly benefitted from the high winter rainfall.
July 2021
An additional 220 hectares was planted at Eurardy during the winter of 2021, bringing the total planted area up to 617 hectares. Approximately 128,000 seedlings were hand-planted across the new area, representing a total of 20 different species.
April 2021
Following the hotter-than-average summer, results from the fourth monitoring assessment showed a decrease in average stem density across all plots. Overall, an average of 298 trees per hectare was calculated for the 2019 planting area and 517 trees per hectare for the 2020 area. Browsing from herbivores was evident across the site, with a particular fondness for Acacia species noted.
November 2020
A third monitoring assessment was conducted in November 2020. Although there was some evidence of pest damage (trampling from kangaroos and emus), results showed high seedling establishment and an overall survival rate of approximately 97%. Average density was calculated to be 417 trees per hectare for the 2019 planting area, and 597 trees per hectare for the 2020 planting area.
July 2020
An additional 205 hectares was planted at Eurardy during the winter of 2020. More than 123,000 seedlings were planted across this new area with 15 native species in the mix. Infill planting was conducted across the 2019 area with almost 62,000 seedlings planted to bulk up the original planting. The seedling mix consisted predominantly of Acacia and Eucalyptus species, adding to the site’s biodiversity.
March 2020
A second monitoring assessment was undertaken in March 2020. Results indicated mortality of approximatley 22% since the previous monitoring assessment. These results were not unexpected given the harsh conditions over the summer months. The remaining seedlings showed signs of new growth, illustrating the trees’ ability to put energy and resources into new shoots.
October 2019
A few months after planting, the first official monitoring assessment was undertaken by Tina Parkhurst from Bush Heritage Australia. Twelve permanent monitoring plots were established across the project site. Results showed high seedling establishment and approximately 98% survival. Positive root establishment and moisture levels were noted.
June 2019
Planting at Eurardy began in June 2019. More than 36,000 seedlings were hand-planted across the prepared area by the E-Scapes Environmental team. The species mix consisted primarily of Eucalyptus and Melaleuca species, both of which play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating soil erosion and salinity.
May 2019
The site was prepared for planting by the team at E-Scapes Environmental. A total of 192 hectares was ripped with wide scalp lines in a meandering fashion. This design was chosen to mimic natural planting configurations, provide weed control and maximise water harvesting.
2018 – 2019
An initial site assessment was carried out by Dr Geoff Woodall in 2018. Soil analysis found the area to consist typically of fertile red loamy soils over clay and calcrete. The final restoration plan was developed in 2019. During spring, native seeds were collected from the area, including key Eucalyptus and Melaleuca species. The seeds were collected by hand and taken to the nursery to be grown into seedlings.
What we planted
Acacia
10 species
wattle
short lifespan
nitrogen-fixing​
Allocasuarina
2 species
nitrogen-fixing​
hardwood tree
frost-tolerant
Banksia
5 species
fire tolerant
food source for birds
hardy shrub/tree
Eucalyptus
12 species
fast maturing tree
utilised for canopy cover
high survivability in nutrient-poor soils
Hakea
2 species
hardy shrub
excellent habitat for birds
fire-adapted (germination)
Melaleuca
11 species
tree and shrub form
food source for native fauna
fire-adapted
Other
23 species
native to area
increase biodiversity
understorey and canopy cover
Project gallery






























































































