Restoring biodiversity and natural capital on a former plantation

Introduction

Carmel Herington and her husband, Brian, manage a 280-acre property in Tintenbar, on Bundjalung Country inland from Lennox Head. The land includes:

• plantations of flooded gum, blackbutt, hoop pine
• rainforest
• wetlands
• 2 kilometres of creek frontage.

Originally intended as a small forestry and grazing operation, Carmel is now restoring the land back to a native biodiversity sanctuary, supported by grants, training and natural capital approaches.

Challenge

Like many landholders in the region, the Heringtons initially planned to harvest plantation timber and graze cattle. However, concerns grew about environmental impacts, especially damage to wetlands and rainforest caused by cattle trampling.

Pasture dieback added further pressure, prompting them to reconsider their property management approach for greater sustainability.

Solution

To improve her property's resilience to pasture dieback and repair the damage to its wetlands and rainforest, Carmel wanted to deepen her understanding of native species and explore nature-based alternatives beyond grazing. As a result, the Heringtons shifted their vision from farming towards restoring a biodiverse sanctuary.

A pivotal moment came when Carmel joined Local Land Services’ Environmental Markets Leadership Program (EMLP), where she:

• gained knowledge and confidence in natural capital approaches
• learned to engage with environmental markets
• embraced her role as a landholder and “custodian” of Country.

Supported by her son, who works in the carbon market, and her new knowledge from the EMLP, Carmel transitioned the plantation into a carbon project under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Plantation Forestry method, leveraging existing trees for environmental and financial returns.

The family is also pursuing Accounting for Nature certification with a focus on koala habitat and preparing for opportunities in the Nature Repair Market.

Outcomes

Local Land Services’ support as a part of the EMLP has helped Carmel and her husband transform their property, business model and long-term vision. Their dedication, combined with targeted support, has led to:

• significant regeneration of native grasses and understory vegetation
• recovery of wetland and rainforest areas
• return of koalas, wallabies and diverse birdlife
• restoration of six distinct native ecosystems across the property
• establishment of a carbon project generating income through Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

Neighbouring landholders have noticed the improvements, demonstrating the broader environmental impact of the restoration work. Carmel and her husband are now recognised in the sustainability community and are receiving new grant and partnership opportunities.

In early 2025, the carbon project was credited with its first quantity of ACCUs, providing a reliable, nature-based income stream and a sustainable alternative to grazing or timber harvesting.

“It feels like we’re doing the best thing we can for the land, for humanity, and for all the creatures living here,”  
- Carmel Herington

Ongoing work

Carmel is applying for a second quantity of carbon credits and preparing for opportunities in the Nature Repair Market. She and her husband hope to open the property to researchers and provide on-site accommodation and education in the future.

Inspired by the EMLP, Carmel also wants to run local sessions to help other landholders understand natural capital.

“Start with learning. Natural capital gives you a foundation. Then find the right advisors, people without an agenda, who are there to promote you and your sustainability journey...We are closest to the land. If we don’t do it, nobody else will.”
- Carmel Herington

How to get involved