Harts Horn Human Induced Regeneration Project

The Harts Horn Human Induced Regeneration Project is a large-scale forest regeneration initiative located on the 'Harts Horn' pastoral station, approximately 80km southwest of Ivanhoe in western New South Wales. Although registered within the Balranald Shire Council local government area, the property is geographically situated in the remote rangelands between Ivanhoe and the Lower Darling river system. Registered on September 25, 2023, the project covers a substantial area of 14,853 hectares. The surrounding region is characterized by extensive grazing land use, primarily supporting sheep and cattle operations on large pastoral leases.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology. Unlike environmental planting projects that involve active seeding, HIR projects rely on the assisted regeneration of naturally occurring native vegetation that has been suppressed for at least 10 years, typically by livestock or feral animals. The core activities at Harts Horn involve managing the timing and extent of grazing and humanely controlling feral species (such as goats) to relieve pressure on the land. This allows existing rootstock, lignotubers, and in-situ seed banks to regenerate into permanent native forest cover.

Environmentally, the site is located in a semi-arid climatic zone characterized by low and variable rainfall. The soil composition in this region of the Murray-Darling Basin typically consists of red sandy loams, calcareous red earths, and solonized brown soils (Mallee soils). These soil types support hardy vegetation communities adapted to dry conditions, such as Mulga, Bimble Box, and various Mallee eucalypt species. The success of the project depends on the capacity of these soils to sustain forest regrowth once the suppression pressure from grazing is managed.

The project proponent, Terra Carbon Pty Limited, is a subsidiary of the GreenCollar Group, a prominent entity in Australia’s carbon and environmental markets. A notable aspect of this project is its registration date; it was approved just five days before the HIR methodology officially expired (sunsetted) on September 30, 2023, securing its operation under the existing rules. Historical records indicate that "Harts Horn" has been a long-established grazing property in the district, appearing in government gazettes and pastoral records dating back to the mid-20th century.