Where we work
Rainforests of Eastern Australia - The Big Scrub rainforest
The sites we work on in northern NSW were once part of the Big Scrub rainforest, Australia's largest expanse of subtropical rainforest. After extensive clearing only 1% remains today. These sites when reforested will connect fragmented remains and expand the size of the existing rainforest.
The Big Scrub rainforest region - A critically endangered ecosystem
The Big Scrub is the name of the remnant rainforest in the Bryon Shire region of northern NSW. Before agricultural clearing it was the largest expanse of lowland subtropical rainforest in Australia; covering an area of approximately 75,000 hectares where an incredible array of species grew from rich volcanic soils of mount Wollumbin between Byron Bay, Ballina and Lismore.
Tragically European settlers cleared almost 99% of this magnificent rainforest because the government required them to clear the forest before they could gain freehold title. By 1900 all that remained was less than 33 remnants of this now critically endangered rainforest with a combined area of less then 556ha.
By the beginning of the 1990s most of the remnants were degrading under the impact of 140 environmental weeds. Governments were doing little or nothing to save the priceless remnants.
Endangered species conservation
The Big Scrub may today be small, but it is home to a bountiful biodiversity, many species of which are incredibly rare and endangered.
Maximo (Reforest Now co-founder) has complied data and research to identify 128 endangered species of this rainforest. To address this, we grow over 150 species in our nursery and prioritise endangered and critically endangered tree, shrub, and vine species.
Reforesting cleared land
We work to restore cleared land in this region back into rainforest. Byron Shire relies on this rainforest for the rain, streams, creeks, and rivers and we hope to play a part in protecting it for generations to come.
We currently have over 35 planting sites that are key to supporting the entire rainforest. Planting on these sites will connect fragmented rainforest and build wildlife corridors.
Our large projects
LEGEND
trees planted
forest regeneration
BANYULA ("PLACE OF MANY TREES") - CLUNES NSW
This nationally-significant planting adjoins the very special Booyong Nature Reserve. It will see 300 000 native rainforest trees, shrubs and vines planted and over 200 species utilised.
-28.737850°, 153.433292°
250,000+
6.2 ha
ALLANSBY REMNANT - EUREKA NSW
We have acquired a scientific license and grants to save and expand the Allansby remnant, a small ancient patch of the original Big Scrub Rainforest (only 1% remains) that is at risk of further degradation.
-28.676373°, 153.443894°
49,000+
4.6 ha
NORTHERN RIVERS ESTATE - SOUTH MURWILLUMBAH NSW
We have reforested a degraded cattle property near Wollumbin and also regenerated existing forested areas by removing invasive weeds and allowing native species to flourish.
-28.3479669°, 153.414454°
27,000+
4.17 ha
BYRON VIEW FARM - MCLEODS SHOOT BYRON BAY NSW
This planting site at the highest point in Byron includes around 200 Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Vines to attract known populations on St Helena Rd.
-28.661742°, 153.560116°
35,000+
GREEN DIAMOND - COORABELL NSW
We're reviving multiple properties on Coorabell Road, a vital habitat for rare species, with the Wilsons River supporting rainforest resilience.
-28.639496°, 153.479434°
30,000+
29.82 ha
