Oaklands and Claremont Soil Carbon Project

Oaklands and Claremont Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales. The project spans approximately 982 hectares across two distinct properties situated near the localities of Wandsworth and Glencoe, roughly 25 kilometers northwest and southeast of the town of Guyra. Registered in October 2023 by Gregory and Joanne Wright, the project operates within the Glen Innes Severn Shire, a region deeply established in high-performance livestock grazing and fine wool production.

The project utilizes the 2021 Soil Carbon Methodology (Measurement and Models), a hybrid framework that credits landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks. To achieve this, the proponents, likely supported by carbon service provider Carbon Link, are implementing changes to their grazing strategies. The primary activity involves altering stocking rates, duration, or intensity of grazing. This approach is designed to increase ground cover and root biomass, which in turn facilitates the transfer of atmospheric carbon into the soil. The "Measurement and Models" method is notable for allowing projects to use predictive modeling to estimate sequestration in years where physical soil coring does not take place, thereby reducing the high costs associated with laboratory analysis.

The local environment in the Guyra and Glen Innes district is characterized by a cool temperate climate and high elevation, often exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level. The area typically enjoys reliable rainfall, averaging over 800mm annually, and features fertile basalt and trap soils. These heavy clay and loam soils are generally highly responsive to regenerative agriculture practices, making them ideal candidates for long-term carbon storage.