Reservoirs for Nature (Stage 1)

Reservoirs for Nature (Stage 1) is an environmental planting project located near the Myponga Reservoir on the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Mount Bold Reservoir in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 45 to 53km south of Adelaide in South Australia. It was registered in October 2025 and covers an area of 319.05ha.

Environmental planting projects involve establishing and maintaining permanent, mixed-species plantings of native trees and shrubs. Under the methodology, the species mix must reflect the structure and composition of the local native vegetation community, and plantings are typically established at a minimum density of 200 stems per hectare to achieve forest cover.

The land surrounding these South Australian reservoirs is generally characterised by native conservation reserves, alongside regional agricultural activities such as sheep and cattle grazing, dairying, and market gardening. The Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula are considered high-rainfall areas for the state, receiving between 740mm and 1,050mm annually. Soils across these catchments are predominantly Kurosols, consisting of shallow to moderately deep acidic sandy loams over clay, often containing ironstone and gravel.

The proponent of this project is the South Australian Water Corporation (SA Water). The initiative aims to improve local biodiversity around essential public water infrastructure while generating carbon credits. In late 2025, SA Water hosted community drop-in sessions at the Myponga Town Hall and Yankalilla Library to introduce the "Reservoirs for Nature" project to locals before on-ground planting activities commence in 2026.