Willowgreen Carbon + Biodiversity R2-1458

Willowgreen Carbon + Biodiversity R2-1458 is a permanent environmental planting project located in the Hilltops Council region of New South Wales. The project area sits between the localities of Bookham and Binalong, approximately 30km west of Yass and 25km southeast of Harden. Registered in November 2022, the project covers roughly 70 hectares of land previously used for agriculture.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology, specifically within the context of the Australian Government's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot (Round 2). This pilot scheme goes beyond standard carbon farming by requiring participants to plant diverse, locally native species according to strict protocols developed by the Australian National University (ANU). While standard environmental plantings typically require a stocking density sufficient to achieve forest cover (often cited as at least 200 stems per hectare), the C+B Pilot mandates richer biodiversity mixes including both overstory trees and understory shrubs to create high-quality habitat.

The surrounding South West Slopes region is a prime agricultural zone characterized by undulating granite and sedimentary country. The area typically experiences a temperate climate with moderate rainfall (approximately 600–700mm annually), supporting land uses such as fine wool production, prime lamb raising, and cropping (canola and wheat). The soil types in this specific locality are generally red earth or texture-contrast soils (chromosols), which are well-suited to the native box-gum woodlands being restored.

A notable aspect of this project is its robust financial and temporal commitment. The proponent, Olde Milong Properties Pty Ltd (trustee for the Angus Metcalfe Family Trust), secured a biodiversity grant of approximately $595,000 to support the planting establishment. Furthermore, the project has nominated a 100-year permanence period, ensuring the vegetation and its carbon stores are protected for a century, significantly longer than the standard 25-year option.