While our Rainforest Rangers are all about getting trees in the ground the real joy comes years later—when we return to see just how much those trees have grown.
A Thriving Rainforest in the Making
Recently, we visited Cromwell Farms at Goonengerry in Northern NSW. It was inspiring to witness the growth of trees planted in 2020 through a combined effort between ReForest Now and Rainforest Rangers volunteers. Two community planting days brought hundreds of trees to life—and the results are remarkable. Some trees are already reaching up to 8 metres tall in just a few short years.
A Plan for the Land
Cromwell Farms is mainly cleared grazing land, dotted with patches of subtropical rainforest. The property is bisected by Little Creek, with Wilsons River marking the northern boundary. Working under a Plan of Management, we’ve been able to guide restoration in a way that balances farming and conservation.
Key outcomes so far:
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Creek bank stabilisation to reduce erosion and downstream flooding.
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Planting on steep, rocky and unproductive land to increase forest cover.
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Removal of invasive weeds to give young rainforest species a chance to thrive.
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Shelter belts for livestock, improving animal welfare and farm resilience.
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Excluding livestock from creeks, improving water quality and reducing sediment run-off.
The result is a farm that not only works better for agriculture but is also healthier for the local environment.
Dexter the bull.
Connecting the Big Scrub
The Big Scrub rainforest once covered 75,000 hectares in the Northern Rivers, but today less than 1% remains. One of the biggest challenges is fragmentation—where small remnants of forest are isolated from each other, reducing biodiversity.
By planting corridors of rainforest trees across Cromwell Farms, we are helping connect these remnants, creating vital pathways for birds, insects, and mammals. The northern section of the farm already contains intact vegetation, while the southern side—previously just scattered isolated trees—is being transformed into living rainforest again.
Trees planted along Little Creek.
Protecting Threatened Species
The Cromwell Farms property at Goonengerry is home to two threatened native plants:
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Rough-shelled Bushnut (Macadamia tetraphylla)
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Red Bopple Nut (Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia)
By restoring habitat and controlling weeds, we’re ensuring these species have the best chance to survive and flourish.
A Community Effort
This work is not only about trees—it’s about people. Community tree planting days brought together volunteers of all ages to make a difference. Each tree in the ground represents a shared commitment to the future of the rainforest.
And none of this would have been possible without the vision and generosity of farmer Gregory Cromwell, who continues his family tradition of caring for the land. Greg brings creativity and entrepreneurial energy to everything he does, and his willingness to embrace rainforest restoration is helping transform both his farm and the wider landscape.
Trees planted in 2020 have helped reduce erosion and downstream flooding.
Looking Ahead
The work at Cromwell Farms contributes directly to restoring the Big Scrub Rainforest and complements efforts on neighbouring properties. Together, these projects are making a real impact on biodiversity, soil health, and the resilience of our region.
And the story doesn’t end here. As the trees grow taller and the canopy closes, the land will continue to heal—bringing back the wildlife and the rainforest that once thrived here.
A thriving rainforest is in the making—and we’re just getting started.