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Make a Rainforest with Matt seeks to restore about 20 acres of former sub-tropical forest to its native state and regenerate a 600 metre (approx) section of creek-side riparian zone, within the boundaries of a 52 acre former cattle farming property.
Over the last century the land around Nimbin, in the beautiful Northern Rivers area of New South Wales, Australia, has been exploited for a variety reasons: mining, forestry, agriculture, horticulture and residential development, all accompanied by roads, structures and a wide variety of other civil infrastructure.
Image: A century of logging
As Australia developed over that time, such exploitation was understandable, but I think we're now out of balance between environmental sustainability and human consumption. So we need to find again that balance.
So many environmental "calls to arms" are focussed on stopping the destruction of existing native environment or saving something. That's important, but this one is different; the damage has been done, so I want to repair the damage and protect it.
Image: Goolmangar Creek banks being undermined.
The area to be restored is less than 1km from the ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park , which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, a dramatically beautiful park full of ancient rainforests, magical waterways and spectacular views. The lush rainforest provides a home for the newly discovered nightcap oak as well as a number of threatened animal species, including Albert's lyrebird and Fleay's barred frog. (Source: National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW).
Why undertake this project? To restore a small part of the Australian environment to bring back into balance the ecosystem that once flourished here.
Who benefits? The aim is that Australian native flora and fauna will be the prime beneficiaries of this project, but the future vision sees two major correlated benefits:
1. The Public. As the project develops, we will establish a walking trail that is periodically opened to the public for guided or self guided tours that can be tailored to focus on ecology/environment and natural beauty.
2. Education Institutions. The property will be accessible to learning institutions (at all levels) to conduct educational excursions, support to curriculum activity or research.
The future vision and its realisation is intended to occur gradually over time. No agreements or arrangements have been made as at the initiation of the Make a Rain Forest With Matt GoFundMe project.
Image: Camphor Laurels have taken over.
How we will use your funds?
1. Cost of professional arborists to remove or manage exotic tree species, most notably Camphor Laurel.
2. Cost of labour to clear exotic vegetation, other than trees, such as lantana and other weed species.
3. Purchasing native trees, shrubs and other plants.
4. Cost of labour to plant native trees, shrubs and other plants.
5. Fencing to exclude livestock.
6. Hiring heavy equipment and labour to assist in the restoration of creek banks and re-shaping areas of run-off to minimise erosion.
7. Purchase of tools and materials for planting and creek restoration.
8. Construction of the walking trail.
9. Where possible I will gain environmental advice for no cost; however, this may not always be possible, so I will use some funds for this where I have no choice.
There are no management costs. I will manage the project fully in my own time.
All expenditure and outcomes will be transparent for scrutiny through periodic reports to donors via the Make a Rainforest with Matt Go Fund Me and Facebook pages.
Partnerships. Partnerships will be key to realising the Make a Rainforest with Matt vision. Individuals, Learning Institutions, Landcare and Wildlife Groups, Community Organisations, Political Representatives (local, state and federal), benevolent people/organisations and many others will be what makes this project happen; I can't do it alone.
Restoration Activity. Forest restoration can start as soon as I have funding.
This is a "passion project" that would take me 20 years or longer to achieve, if at all. With your support we can undertake key structural work over the next 3 or 4 years; maintain it, watch it grow and enjoy it for decades after.
This is a great chance to restore a wonderful, albeit small, part of the Australian environment; giving it back to nature and providing great joy and education to many, many Australians.
I humbly seek your support to make it a reality.
Cheers,
Matt
P.S. Photos and video of the area will soon be on the: