Dark Horse Reforestation Project

Dark Horse Reforestation Project is a permanent environmental planting project located near Yackandandah, approximately 25 kilometers south of Wodonga in Northeast Victoria. Registered in November 2023, the project covers a boutique area of 17.83 hectares on land previously used for agriculture. The project is managed by Dr. Glenn Singleman, a notable Australian physician and professional adventurer known for his records in BASE jumping and wingsuit flying.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing a mix of native tree and shrub species permanently on land that has been clear of forest for at least five years. To generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the planting must achieve forest cover, typically requiring a stocking density of roughly 200 to 400 stems per hectare depending on the specific planting configuration, and must be maintained for either 25 or 100 years.

The Yackandandah region in the Kiewa Valley is characterized by a high-rainfall temperate climate, supporting lush vegetation and grazing industries. The local soils are predominantly acidic texture-contrast soils known as Chromosols, or friable clay loams in the river valleys, which are well-suited to the native species being reintroduced.

An interesting aspect of this project is its location on "Dark Horse Farm," a property developed by Dr. Singleman and his wife, Heather Swan, after moving from Sydney in 2020. The farm focuses on regenerative practices and hosts equestrian activities, aligning the carbon project with a broader vision of land nurturing and biodiversity restoration.