What is Rainforest Restoration? A Beginner’s Guide

When you think of a rainforest, you might picture towering trees, lush canopies, and unique wildlife. But across Australia, most of our rainforests have been cleared or fragmented. In northern NSW, over 99% of the original Big Scrub rainforest has been lost.

The good news is that we can bring them back through rainforest restoration.

What is Rainforest Restoration?

Rainforest restoration is the process of rebuilding degraded land into healthy rainforest ecosystems. It’s not just planting a few trees - it’s about creating a thriving, self-sustaining forest.

Restoration can include:

• Seed collecting from remnant forests and propagating them in nurseries.

• Planting diverse native rainforest species to recreate natural forest layers.

• Managing weeds and invasive plants that compete with young trees.

• Ongoing care like watering, mulching, and monitoring survival rates.

The goal is to restore rainforests so they can regenerate naturally and provide habitat for centuries to come.

Why Does Rainforest Restoration Matter?

Healthy Australian rainforests are vital for people and planet. They:

• Act as powerful carbon sinks, helping fight climate change.

• Support incredible biodiversity, including many threatened species.

• Protect soils and waterways from erosion.

• Safeguard cultural heritage and community wellbeing.

Without rainforest regeneration, we risk losing irreplaceable ecosystems forever.

How ReForest Now Restores Rainforests

At ReForest Now, we:

1. Collect seeds from surviving ancient rainforest patches.

2. Grow them in our large-scale rainforest nursery.

3. Plant a rich diversity of species at carefully chosen sites.

4. Maintain those sites until the forest can thrive on its own.

This process ensures we don’t just plant trees - we restore entire rainforests.

👉 Learn more about our rainforest restoration projects.

How You Can Help Restore Rainforests

Everyone has a role to play in rainforest regeneration. You can:

• Plant a tree with us through a donation.

• Volunteer at a tree planting day and get your hands in the soil.

• Share our mission to inspire others to act.

Even a small contribution helps us restore Australian rainforests for future generations.

👉 Plant a tree today and be part of the solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rainforest restoration?Rainforest restoration is the process of re-establishing damaged or cleared rainforest ecosystems by planting diverse native species, improving soil health, and creating conditions for wildlife to return.

How long does rainforest restoration take?It can take decades for a planted site to resemble mature rainforest, but within a few years, restored sites begin to provide shade, habitat, and improved soil.

Why are Australian rainforests important?Australia’s rainforests are biodiversity hotspots, home to unique plants and animals found nowhere else. They also store carbon and protect waterways.

Can anyone help restore rainforests?Yes! From donating to planting trees, volunteers and supporters play a vital role in making large-scale restoration possible.