Our forests

Ness Creek is situated in the picturesque region of South Gippsland on land traditionally owned by the Boonwurrung people. Originally cleared for cattle and sheep grazing in the early 20^th century, it is now home to a productive free-range egg farm, Glorious Googies.

The farm owners contacted Greenfleet with an interest in reforesting the vast areas of their land. Emma, one of the landowners said, “My dream is finally in motion! With a team of Greenfleet superheroes, we're working to turn all the steep and wet parts of my farm back to native bush.”

First planted in 2016, Greenfleet has now revegetated over 30 hectares with native trees planted along the side of the creek, on the hills, and shelterbelts of the property. Reforestation efforts are planned to be continued in 2021.  

So far, more than thirty native species have been planted including Mountain Grey Gum (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa), Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata) and Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericafolia).  

Due to the climate in Gippsland, in 2020 some of these trees have grown an impressive 7 metres in their 4 years and the forest is already home to wallabies and countless birds. As the trees become more established, this forest will provide a much-needed habitat for wildlife such as koalas and sugar gliders.  

While providing a habitat for the animal species native to this area, the forest at Ness Creek is also helping to improve water quality by providing great water-filtration benefits. The site sits adjacent to a reservoir and the plantings on the steep hillside of the property will assist in securing the slope and limiting run-off into it.  

Ness Creek is a beautiful example of an integrated approach to farming and native forest regeneration.  Emma is “100 per cent confident” that the revegetation process of this ‘chicken haven’ will improve the farm’s productivity, as well as providing new habitat for native wildlife.

The trees planted are legally protected for 100 years and we look forward to seeing them grow into a lush and vibrant forest well into the future.