Dalwood Regeneration Project

Dalwood Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located at the 'Dalwood' property, approximately 100km northeast of Bourke and 85km northwest of Brewarrina in outback New South Wales. It was registered in November 2017 and covers an extensive 20,286.59ha area.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects establish permanent, even-aged native forests through assisted regeneration. The methodology requires that the land was previously cleared of vegetation and regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. Standard requirements dictate that the project area must be able to attain and maintain permanent forest cover (typically at least 20% crown cover reaching two metres in height) by formally ceasing suppressive activities, such as managing feral animals or changing livestock grazing regimes.

The Bourke region is historically known for pastoral and agricultural activities, predominantly goat and sheep grazing, which matches the general land use of the 'Dalwood' property and the surrounding area. The environment features a semi-arid climate, experiencing a low average annual rainfall of approximately 355mm. The local soil conditions consist primarily of flat red loam and gently undulating sandy rises, interspersed with patches of grey soil and gilgais (natural depressions). These soils natively support a variety of outback timber and shrubs, including Brigalow, Mulga, Ironwood, and Wilga.

To achieve successful forest regeneration, the primary project activity focuses on the humane management of feral animals. By removing this suppressive grazing pressure, emerging native seedlings can naturally regenerate from in-situ seed banks, as well as surviving rootstock and lignotubers. As an extra note, the participant name for the project was recently varied in March 2025 from individuals Helen and Steve Bentick to Bentick Pastoral Co Pty Ltd. The proponent holds a Fixed Delivery Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC951240) to supply the Commonwealth with Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by the project.