Borrika Downs Reforestation Project

Borrika Downs Reforestation Project is an environmental planting project located in Borrika, South Australia, approximately 16km northeast of Karoonda and 132km east of Adelaide. It was registered in March 2026 and covers a significant area of 3,551.86ha.

Environmental planting projects governed by the 2024 methodology involve establishing and maintaining a permanent mix of native tree and shrub species. To meet the methodology's standard requirements, these plantings must be established at a density sufficient to reach forest cover, generally requiring at least 200 stems per hectare or enough to eventually achieve a 20% canopy cover and a height of two metres.

The Murray Mallee region surrounding Borrika is well known for its broadacre agricultural uses, particularly dryland cropping and sheep grazing. The local environment is considered semi-arid, experiencing relatively low annual rainfall averaging around 343mm. Soils in this region are typically mallee sandy loams that sit over clay or limestone subsoils.

This project was established on land that was predominantly used for agricultural purposes for at least five years prior to commencement. Because the trees being planted are native to the local area, the project will not only sequester carbon but also help restore the region's natural biodiversity and provide ecological rehabilitation across previously cleared farming landscapes.