Planting seedlings of change...

Replanting 100,000 tuart seedlings across 180 hectares of degraded tuart forest area is no small task.

Yet this is the target that has been set by the hardworking volunteers from The Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group Inc. as part of their five year restoration planting program.

This tuart forest is unique to Western Australia and only grows along a small strip of the state's coastline. This forest once covered more than 110,000 hectares, from North of Perth to Sabina River East of Busselton. But after many years of clearing, farming and urbanisation only 3,300 hectares remain near Ludlow in the South West.

A project of this scale requires substantial investment in both time and funds, which is why the local Busselton and Dunsborough Community Bank branches of Bendigo Bank have thrown their support behind the project by sponsoring 500 Tuart tree seedlings to be planted.

“Our team are excited to be supporting this vital project and in doing so recognising the efforts of the hardworking volunteers that make up The Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group” said David Johnston, local Branch Manager.

“This important work is happening right on our doorstep and there is very little knowledge of it. We hope to help spread the message to other local businesses and encourage them to support the programme as well.” said David.

“Sponsoring the Tuart tree seedlings, for $10 each, provides an avenue to interested community members and businesses to contribute to forest and heritage restoration.” Des Donnelly, Vice Chairperson of The Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group said.

The planting program relies on the voluntary help of over 400 school children, parents, teachers and community volunteers.

“For a large number of participating school children it initiates and helps develop an interest and ownership in this environment. After all they are the future custodians of this forest and they deserve involvement.” said Des.

As current community custodians, it is our collective duty to ensure the restoration, conservation and protection of this rare in the world forest to guarantee support for dependent ecosystems, biodiversity and all of the values this rare forest provides. This includes the enjoyment of future generations through tourism and employment.

To learn more, become a member, purchase a tree sponsorship or make a donation to this exciting NFP volunteer organisation, visit their web page https://www.ludlowtuartforest.org.au/