Hazeldean EP 2024

Hazeldean EP 2024 is an Environmental Planting project located approximately 25km southeast of Gilgandra, in the Orana region of New South Wales. Registered in September 2024, the project covers a significant area of 663.76 hectares. The site sits within the transition zone between the Central West slopes and the western plains, an area traditionally dominated by mixed farming, including cereal cropping (wheat, barley) and grazing for sheep and cattle.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. This specific determination involves establishing permanent plantings of native tree species on land that was previously cleared for agriculture. Under the FullCAM method, carbon abatement is modelled using the Full Carbon Accounting Model software rather than direct field measurement, utilizing specific growth curves for the planted species and location. The project aims to restore native vegetation density, typically requiring a stocking density sufficient to achieve forest cover (at least 20% canopy cover) and a height of 2 meters.

Environmentally, the Gilgandra region is characterized as a semi-arid to warm temperate climate, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 550mm to 600mm. The soils in this vicinity, particularly southeast of the township towards the Goonoo State Conservation Area, often consist of Red Chromosols (red-brown earths) and sandy loams, which are well-suited to native cypress and eucalypt regeneration but can be fragile under intensive cultivation.

The project proponent, Climate Edge Carbon Pty Ltd (part of the Climate Edge Group), specializes in integrating nature-positive carbon and biodiversity projects into existing agricultural operations. This suggests the Hazeldean project is likely designed to coexist with or enhance the property's broader agricultural productivity, potentially offering shelter benefits for livestock while sequestering carbon.