Reforestation Project

Reforestation Project (ERF168437) is a permanent environmental planting project located in the locality of Yarrowyck, approximately 30 kilometers west of the regional city of Armidale in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales. Registered in December 2021, the project covers roughly 715 hectares of land previously utilized for agriculture, specifically grazing, which is the dominant land use in the surrounding Uralla Shire. The site sits within the traditional lands of the Anaiwan and Kamilaroi/Gomeroi peoples.

The project operates under the "Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM" methodology. This involves establishing native tree and shrub species that are indigenous to the local area on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years. The goal is to achieve permanent forest cover, typically requiring a stocking density sufficient to reach 20% crown cover and a height of at least two meters. As a FullCAM project, the carbon abatement is modelled based on the specific growth rates of the planted species at that location rather than direct field measurement of biomass.

Ecologically, the Yarrowyck region is characterized by a temperate climate with a distinct granite landscape common to the New England area. The soil profile typically consists of granite-derived sandy loams and texture-contrast soils (Chromosols), which can be prone to erosion if vegetation cover is lost. Rainfall in the area is generally moderate, averaging around 700-800mm annually, supporting mixed farming and fine wool production. The project aims to improve biodiversity and create a wildlife corridor between the Gwydir River and the Northern Tablelands.

A significant aspect of this project is its history as a flagship initiative for Telstra. Originally developed by Telstra Energy (Generation) Pty Ltd before the proponent transfer to Yarrowyck Environmental Projects Pty Ltd in April 2025, it served as a pilot for high-tech carbon farming. The planting utilized drone technology provided by AirSeed to disperse seed pods rather than traditional manual tube stock planting. Telstra also utilized the site to test Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and robotics for monitoring tree health and environmental conditions, making it one of the most technologically documented carbon projects in the country.