Eltham Springs project

Eltham Springs project is an Environmental planting project located at Clunes in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, situated in the hinterland just a short distance from Bangalow and Byron Bay. It was registered in May 2022 and covers a project area of 78 hectares.

Environmental planting projects involve establishing permanent plantings of mixed native tree species on land that has been predominantly used for agricultural purposes for at least five years prior to commencement. These plantings are designed to achieve full forest cover, typically requiring appropriate stocking densities (often at least 200 stems per hectare) to reach a minimum of 20% crown cover and 2 metres in height. The tree species used are native to the local area.

The Clunes and wider Byron hinterland area is well known for viable cattle farming, dairying, and horticulture such as macadamia orchards. The region experiences high rainfall due to its subtropical climate, and the local soils are generally highly fertile, rich red volcanic clays (Ferrosols) originating from the nearby Mount Warning caldera.

This project was established on a 212-acre iconic rural landholding known as "Eltham Springs", which has historically run stud cattle. The carbon venture directly integrates conservation with viable farming by aiming to regenerate vital koala habitat. Property records indicate that over 55,000 rainforest and eucalypt trees have been planted on the land, creating a sustainable ecosystem that generates carbon credits for the next hundred years. This acts as an excellent example of integrated land management, where conservation works hand in hand with the property's ongoing cellular rotational grazing operations.