Larcombes Planting Project ID-R2 1393

Larcombes Planting Project ID-R2 1393 is a reforestation initiative located in the Barunga West Council region of South Australia, approximately 10 kilometers north of the coastal town of Port Broughton. Registered on September 8, 2023, by Bay Farm Pty Ltd (trustee for the Alistair Tod Family Trust), the project covers a land area of roughly 70 hectares. The project aims to establish a permanent native forest on land previously cleared for agricultural use, contributing to both carbon sequestration and local biodiversity.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. This method requires the planting of native tree and shrub species, either mixed species or mallee eucalypts, at densities sufficient to achieve forest cover (typically defined as having the potential to reach over 2 meters in height and 20% crown cover). The "FullCAM" designation indicates that carbon abatement is calculated using the Australian Government's Full Carbon Accounting Model, which estimates carbon stocks based on the specific location, soil, and climate data rather than direct physical measurement of every tree.

Regionally, the Barunga West area is characterized by a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate, with Port Broughton recording an average annual rainfall of approximately 330–340mm. The land use in this district is predominantly dryland cropping (wheat and barley) and livestock grazing. The soils in this part of the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North are typically calcareous or sandy loams, which can be fertile but are often susceptible to wind erosion if vegetation cover is removed. By revegetating this landscape, the project aids in soil stabilization and connectivity for local wildlife.

A notable aspect of this project is its designation "ID-R2," which strongly suggests participation in Round 2 of the Australian Government's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot. Public records confirm that the proponent, Bay Farm Pty Ltd, received a grant of roughly $231,000 under this pilot scheme. This initiative rewards farmers for planting native vegetation that not only stores carbon but also delivers measurable biodiversity improvements, aligning with the project's stated goal of creating ecological benefits for the local region.