Oaklands and Claremont Soil Carbon Project

The Oaklands and Claremont Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located near the locality of Glencoe, approximately 20km south-southwest of Glen Innes in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Registered in October 2023, the project spans 982 hectares across the "Oaklands" and "Claremont" properties. The region is characterized by a temperate climate with a relatively high average rainfall of around 900mm, and the landscape features a mix of heavy basalt and granite soils, typical of the New England Tablelands.

The project is managed by fourth-generation graziers Greg and Joanne Wright, who operate the Benoak Devon Stud on the land. The primary land use is grazing for beef cattle and wool production. Under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, the project aims to sequester carbon by modifying land management practices, specifically by altering the stocking rate, duration, and intensity of grazing. These changes are designed to improve soil health and vegetation cover, which in turn increases the amount of organic carbon stored in the soil profile.

An interesting aspect of this operation is its deep roots in the local agricultural community; the Benoak Devon Stud was established in 1964 and is well-known for its annual bull sales. The proponents have integrated their carbon project activities with their stud operations, utilizing rotational grazing strategies to maintain pasture quality for their livestock while generating carbon credits. The project is facilitated by Carbon Link, a major aggregator in the Australian soil carbon market.