Reservoirs for Nature (Stage 1)

Reservoirs for Nature (Stage 1) is an environmental planting project located across two distinct sites south of Adelaide, South Australia: the Myponga Reservoir Reserve (approximately 60km south of the city) and the Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve (approximately 25km south of the city). Registered on October 27, 2025, the project covers a total area of 319.05 hectares. The region is primarily dedicated to water catchment and conservation, with the reservoir reserves managed by the proponent, South Australian Water Corporation (SA Water), to secure the metropolitan water supply.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM) Methodology Determination 2024. This methodology requires the establishment of permanent plantings of native tree and shrub species on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years. The planting density must be sufficient to achieve forest cover (generally defined as a potential height of at least 2 meters and 20% crown cover) and is modeled using the FullCAM software to calculate carbon sequestration.

Environmentally, the project areas fall within the Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula, regions characterized by a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. These areas are classified as high rainfall zones relative to the rest of the state, which is essential for catchment viability. The soils in these reserves are typically loamy to clay-based, supporting sclerophyll forest and woodland vegetation. This project aligns with SA Water’s broader "Net Zero" strategy, utilizing their extensive landholdings to sequester carbon while enhancing biodiversity and protecting water quality within the catchments.