Regenerative forestry

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A 2012 GlobeScan Global Consumer Research Survey found that more than 80% of consumers expect companies to ensure their wood and paper products do not contribute to deforestation; 86% try to avoid products that damage biodiversity and ~70% want to choose products that do not contribute to climate change. In addition to this, the federal government has identified that Australia will need a billion new trees in forestry plantations by 2030 to meet our future needs for wood and fibre.

Regenerative forestry follows six (6) key principals*:

1. Take some stems, just don’t take them all. Leave enough trees to keep the soil alive while the next generation of trees becomes established.
2. Add nutrients where and when they will improve the soil and foster soil life, and not just feed the trees, possibly at the expense of soil life. Aim for the sweet spot of nutrient supply where aboveground and below ground productivity are optimal.
3. Manage forests with more than one tree species. Embrace mixtures with broadleaves and N-fixing species. They will rebuild soil life, soil organic matter and soil nutrients. Have a fallow period of broadleaves, or grow them in mixtures. Or simply allow them to be part of the forest by not killing every plant that isn’t the crop species.
4. Retain stands of all stages in forested landscapes and ensure representation of old forests through both retention and replacement through succession. Each stage is a reservoir of unique biodiversity.
5. If the stand is being used for timber, harvest it at its ecological rotation age, rather than economic rotation age. Consider how to improve the soil through management, not just minimise soil degradation. 
6. Recognise that the below ground ecosystem is a critical ally in growing a resilient forest.

We have acquired farm land in Wedderburn that was previously used for grazing. A portion of this property will be used to regenerate the soil and grow native trees, with planting to commence in late 2024. Once the trees have matured, selective felling will take place, which includes the inspection of trees for wildlife, to ensure that nests are not disturbed and that the forest is regenerative. So stay tuned for progress and updates.

* Prescott, C.E. (2024) Perspectives: Regenerative forestry – Managing forests for soil life. Forest Ecology and Management, 554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121674