Lynwood Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Lynwood Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located at Lynwood Station, approximately 85km northwest of Cobar in western New South Wales. It was registered in June 2015 and covers an extensive 46,663.66 ha. The Cobar region is well known for broadacre livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep grazing. The area features a semi-arid climate with low annual rainfall, and local soils generally consist of red earths, sandy loams, and clay.

Human-induced regeneration projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests through assisted regeneration. This specific methodology relies on in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, on land that was historically cleared of vegetation and where natural regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement.

The project achieves this regeneration by implementing careful land management activities, specifically controlling the timing and extent of livestock grazing. It also involves the humane management of feral animals to reduce grazing pressure on new shoots, allowing native vegetation to recover and successfully reach forest cover.

Interestingly, the Lynwood property is run by Robin and Keryl Thorpe, who partnered with project proponent Terra Carbon Pty Limited, a subsidiary of major Australian environmental market developer GreenCollar. The supplementary carbon income from the project has provided the family with vital financial security to help drought-proof their property, upgrade farm infrastructure like dams and firebreaks, and support the local community by hiring regional labor. The carbon credits generated by the project have subsequently been purchased by major corporate entities, such as Westpac and IFM Investors, to voluntarily offset their own greenhouse gas emissions.