Future Forests contractors work in the nursery area at Nimbin, NSW

WIDJABUL COUNTRY

Nimbin, NSW

Located in a medium to high-value koala habitat, this northern NSW property was previously used to graze Dexter cattle and has been extensively cleared. This 33-hectare ecological restoration project will provide a wildlife corridor, linking up remnant bushland between two national parks. Our aim is to restore the site to a thriving forest, increasing habitat for a range of endangered species (including koalas), improving biodiversity, and encouraging further natural regeneration. 

One of the challenges of this site is the shoulder-high Setaria (a thick, tufted, African pasture grass) that covers much of the planting area. This grass is very hard to plant into and slashing is difficult due to steep slopes and hidden rocks.

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HA
of ecological restoration
K
Seedlings Planted
Species
Planted

Project overview

  • Planting type: Biodiverse Carbon
  • Region: Northern Rivers, NSW
  • Planted: 2021 (bush regeneration), 2022 (planting)
  • Size: 33 hectares
  • Seedling count: 70,270
  • Partner: Future Forests
  • ERF registered: Yes (Environmental Planting Methodology)
  • Legal permanence: 100 years

Latest news

Monitoring

October 2023

Pollyanna (CPOZ) and Sam (Future Forests) completed the second-year monitoring assessment, measuring 10 plots across the site. Results showed a high average survival rate of 97% (excluding natural regeneration). The average tree height increased by 115%, from 0.53m to 1.14m.

Man standing in grassy paddock overlooking trees

Monitoring

December 2022

Pollyanna (CPOZ) and Sam (Future Forests) conducted the first comprehensive monitoring assessment at Nimbin in December. Conditions varied between plots but overall growth was great and the average density was 2,805 trees/ha. There was also evidence of naturally regenerating trees across some plots which indicates that previous bush regeneration work had been successful.

Future Forests contractors work in the nursery area at Nimbin, NSW

Planting

May 2022

Planting was originally scheduled to begin in early March, however, the Nimbin region, like much of NSW and QLD, experienced significant flooding. Although all of the mulch was destroyed, the seedlings miraculously survived. After further repair of the creek crossing, planting commenced in May. Over a four-week period, the Future Forests team hand-planted more than 69,000 native seedlings across the property.

Landscape with rolling hills and sparse trees with fog in the distance

Planting Prep

February 2022

Site preparation is an integral part of the planting process and can have a significant impact on seedlings’ survival and establishment rates. During February, the team from Future Forests slashed the shoulder-high Setaria grass in preparation for planting. This process reduces the likelihood of seedlings being smothered as they try to establish their root systems. 

Man in khaki shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds

Bush regeneration

October 2021

Bush regeneration work began in October across a 6-hectare area, including a regenerating hoop pine forest and riparian zone along Webster’s Creek. The team from Future Forests treated and removed fast-growing, non-native, invasive species such as camphor laurel, lantana, and privet. These (and other non-native) species compete with and displace native vegetation, produce huge amounts of bird-carried seed, infest riparian zones, and can take over large areas.

Two cement drain pipes running through a creek crossing

Creek remediation

September 2021

The site is located in a high rainfall area, averaging more than 1,150mm each year. Flooding in 2020 had washed away two key creek crossings that were to provide vehicle access to the planting and regeneration areas. These crossings were repaired by a local contractor to ensure access for planting in Feb/March 2022.

Nimbin landscape with trees

Site assessment

July 2021

Our planting contractor, Sam (Future Forests), undertook a full site assessment to determine soil structure, rainfall, and vegetation (including weed species and site challenges), in order to develop a planting methodology and establishment plan. The site’s topography is very steep in parts, making planting a challenge. A mixture of natural bush regeneration and planting was proposed.

Nimbin landscape

Initial site visit

June 2021

Pollyanna (CPOZ) met with the landholder and planting contractor to discuss the site and the desired restoration outcomes. The landholder was keen to see the native forest restored and connected with remnant bush and riparian zones to increase habitat and connectivity for wildlife, including koalas. Native hoop pine forest was regenerating naturally in some areas near the creek, however large areas of open pasture were identified for potential planting.

What we planted

Acacia

5 species
fast-growing
short lifespan
nitrogen fixing

Casuarina

2 species
salt and drought tolerant
attracts native birds
nitrogen converter

Eucalyptus

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

Other

92 species
all native to the area
ground and canopy cover
habitat for native fauna

Project gallery

Pre-planting at Nimbin showing weeds
Remnant vegetation in the middle of the property which will form part of the high density planting area.
A koala halfway up a tall Eucalyptus tree
A koala spotted near the front gate of the property.
Pine forest with tree big tree trunks and green, leafy shrubs to the right
Existing regenerated Hoop pine forest.
View of a large valley with dense trees
View from the highest point on the property.
Creek bordered by tall trees
Webster’s Creek which runs along the western edge of the property.
Nimbin landscape with trees
Part of the site which was previously used for grazing.
Two exposed concrete drains across a creek with trees and rocks surrounding
One of the damaged creek crossings limiting access across the site.
Nimbin landscape with trees
Part of the site which was previously cleared for grazing.
Landscape with grass in foreground and trees in the background
Remnant bush on the property where koalas are regularly spotted.
Exposed drains across a rocky creek
One of the exposed creek crossings limiting access to site.
Blue excavator with tray raised in front of trees
Excavator used for creek remediation.
Dirt track leading through trees
Creek crossed fixed and ready for use.
Man in khaki shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Bush regeneration underway during October 2021.
Part of the 6ha area allocated to bush regeneration.
Part of the 6ha area allocated to bush regeneration.
Man in blue shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Future Forests team member removing invasive weeds such as camphor laurel and privet as part of bush regeneration.
Seedlings trays organised on the ground ready for planting at the on-site nursery.
Seedlings ready for planting at the on-site nursery.
Future Forests contractors work in the nursery area at Nimbin, NSW
Contractors from Future Forests working in the on-site nursery area.
Man carrying seedling trays out from the back of a ute tray
Sam from Future Forests loading seedlings into the ATV (an all-terrain vehicle necessary to get around the wet, slippery site).
Hand bending down to touch seedling in ground
Planted seedling with speckling of non-toxic Sentree wallaby deterrent.
Planting area with remnant trees ready to be planted
Planters from Future Forests working in the west side planting area.
Close up of seedling growing in planting area
Seedling in the rear planting area.
Planting area showing Mt Wollumbin in the distance.
Planting area showing Mt Wollumbin in the distance.
Very muddy creek crossing
Very muddy creek crossing due to flooding which created difficult access to planting areas across the site.
Man standing amongst high grass pointing towards tall trees in background
Sam from Future Forests pointing to ironbark trees in the bush regeneration area.
Seedling with jute matting to suppress Setaria grass.
Seedling with jute matting to suppress Setaria grass.
Landslips caused by catastrophic flooding in March 2022 in Nimbin
Landslips caused by catastrophic flooding in March 2022.
Close up of seedling growing in ground
Seedling planted in the rear site area.
Man measuring tree with a measuring stick
Sam measuring a seedling with incredible growth at one of the plots.
close up of a healthy Commersonia bartramia ('Brown kurrajong') seedling.
Healthy Commersonia bartramia (‘Brown kurrajong’) seedling.
Seedling surrounded by Setaria grass.
Seedling surrounded by Setaria grass.
Metal stake in the ground next to a seedling
Marking out plot 3.
Red-browed finch nest visible in a naturally regenerating hoop pine tree.
Red-browed finch nest visible in a naturally regenerating hoop pine tree.
Man standing in monitoring plot with excellent growth, overlooking remnant bushland.
Monitoring plot with excellent growth, overlooking remnant bushland.
Man measuring seedling with a wooden measuring stick
Sam (Future Forests) measuring the height of a slow growing rainforest tree.
Person bending down with the end of a measuring tape in a field
Marking out plot 8 amongst the high weed coverage.
Close up of a Homanthalus species ('Bleeding heart').
Homanthalus species (‘Bleeding heart’).
man smiling standing next to a tree holding a measuring stick
Sam (Future Forests) measuring an Acacia fimbriata.
Hand holding seed pods on a tree branch
Seed pods growing on an Acacia fimbriata.
Man standing next to a tall tree with forest in background
Sam (Future Forests) standing next to an impressively tall rainforest tree.
close up shot of a plants leaves with the sky in the background
Close up of a healthy seedling.
Man standing with measuring stick look at tree
Sam (Future Forests) seeking the next monitoring plot.
Revegetation planting with remnant forest in background
Part of the site showing great establishment 18 months after planting
Pre-planting at Nimbin showing weeds
Remnant vegetation in the middle of the property which will form part of the high density planting area.
A koala halfway up a tall Eucalyptus tree
A koala spotted near the front gate of the property.
Pine forest with tree big tree trunks and green, leafy shrubs to the right
Existing regenerated Hoop pine forest.
View of a large valley with dense trees
View from the highest point on the property.
Creek bordered by tall trees
Webster’s Creek which runs along the western edge of the property.
Nimbin landscape with trees
Part of the site which was previously used for grazing.
Two exposed concrete drains across a creek with trees and rocks surrounding
One of the damaged creek crossings limiting access across the site.
Nimbin landscape with trees
Part of the site which was previously cleared for grazing.
Landscape with grass in foreground and trees in the background
Remnant bush on the property where koalas are regularly spotted.
Exposed drains across a rocky creek
One of the exposed creek crossings limiting access to site.
Blue excavator with tray raised in front of trees
Excavator used for creek remediation.
Dirt track leading through trees
Creek crossed fixed and ready for use.
Man in khaki shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Bush regeneration underway during October 2021.
Part of the 6ha area allocated to bush regeneration.
Part of the 6ha area allocated to bush regeneration.
Man in blue shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Future Forests team member removing invasive weeds such as camphor laurel and privet as part of bush regeneration.
Seedlings trays organised on the ground ready for planting at the on-site nursery.
Seedlings ready for planting at the on-site nursery.
Future Forests contractors work in the nursery area at Nimbin, NSW
Contractors from Future Forests working in the on-site nursery area.
Man carrying seedling trays out from the back of a ute tray
Sam from Future Forests loading seedlings into the ATV (an all-terrain vehicle necessary to get around the wet, slippery site).
Hand bending down to touch seedling in ground
Planted seedling with speckling of non-toxic Sentree wallaby deterrent.
Planting area with remnant trees ready to be planted
Planters from Future Forests working in the west side planting area.
Close up of seedling growing in planting area
Seedling in the rear planting area.
Planting area showing Mt Wollumbin in the distance.
Planting area showing Mt Wollumbin in the distance.
Very muddy creek crossing
Very muddy creek crossing due to flooding which created difficult access to planting areas across the site.
Man standing amongst high grass pointing towards tall trees in background
Sam from Future Forests pointing to ironbark trees in the bush regeneration area.
Seedling with jute matting to suppress Setaria grass.
Seedling with jute matting to suppress Setaria grass.
Landslips caused by catastrophic flooding in March 2022 in Nimbin
Landslips caused by catastrophic flooding in March 2022.
Close up of seedling growing in ground
Seedling planted in the rear site area.
Man measuring tree with a measuring stick
Sam measuring a seedling with incredible growth at one of the plots.
close up of a healthy Commersonia bartramia ('Brown kurrajong') seedling.
Healthy Commersonia bartramia (‘Brown kurrajong’) seedling.
Seedling surrounded by Setaria grass.
Seedling surrounded by Setaria grass.
Metal stake in the ground next to a seedling
Marking out plot 3.
Red-browed finch nest visible in a naturally regenerating hoop pine tree.
Red-browed finch nest visible in a naturally regenerating hoop pine tree.
Man standing in monitoring plot with excellent growth, overlooking remnant bushland.
Monitoring plot with excellent growth, overlooking remnant bushland.
Man measuring seedling with a wooden measuring stick
Sam (Future Forests) measuring the height of a slow growing rainforest tree.
Person bending down with the end of a measuring tape in a field
Marking out plot 8 amongst the high weed coverage.
Close up of a Homanthalus species ('Bleeding heart').
Homanthalus species (‘Bleeding heart’).
man smiling standing next to a tree holding a measuring stick
Sam (Future Forests) measuring an Acacia fimbriata.
Hand holding seed pods on a tree branch
Seed pods growing on an Acacia fimbriata.
Man standing next to a tall tree with forest in background
Sam (Future Forests) standing next to an impressively tall rainforest tree.
close up shot of a plants leaves with the sky in the background
Close up of a healthy seedling.
Man standing with measuring stick look at tree
Sam (Future Forests) seeking the next monitoring plot.
Revegetation planting with remnant forest in background
Part of the site showing great establishment 18 months after planting
Pre-planting at Nimbin showing weeds
A koala halfway up a tall Eucalyptus tree
Pine forest with tree big tree trunks and green, leafy shrubs to the right
View of a large valley with dense trees
Creek bordered by tall trees
Nimbin landscape with trees
Two exposed concrete drains across a creek with trees and rocks surrounding
Nimbin landscape with trees
Landscape with grass in foreground and trees in the background
Exposed drains across a rocky creek
Blue excavator with tray raised in front of trees
Dirt track leading through trees
Man in khaki shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Part of the 6ha area allocated to bush regeneration.
Man in blue shirt and hat kneeling next to a large tree removing surrounding weeds
Seedlings trays organised on the ground ready for planting at the on-site nursery.
Future Forests contractors work in the nursery area at Nimbin, NSW
Man carrying seedling trays out from the back of a ute tray
Hand bending down to touch seedling in ground
Planting area with remnant trees ready to be planted
Close up of seedling growing in planting area
Planting area showing Mt Wollumbin in the distance.
Very muddy creek crossing
Man standing amongst high grass pointing towards tall trees in background
Seedling with jute matting to suppress Setaria grass.
Landslips caused by catastrophic flooding in March 2022 in Nimbin
Close up of seedling growing in ground
Man measuring tree with a measuring stick
close up of a healthy Commersonia bartramia ('Brown kurrajong') seedling.
Seedling surrounded by Setaria grass.
Metal stake in the ground next to a seedling
Red-browed finch nest visible in a naturally regenerating hoop pine tree.
Man standing in monitoring plot with excellent growth, overlooking remnant bushland.
Man measuring seedling with a wooden measuring stick
Person bending down with the end of a measuring tape in a field
Close up of a Homanthalus species ('Bleeding heart').
man smiling standing next to a tree holding a measuring stick
Hand holding seed pods on a tree branch
Man standing next to a tall tree with forest in background
close up shot of a plants leaves with the sky in the background
Man standing with measuring stick look at tree
Revegetation planting with remnant forest in background