Farm Forestry

Learn how sustainable management of your private native forests can benefit you. Improve the biodiversity, productivity, health and profitability of your farm.

a pathway through a sunlit forest of skinny native trees

Apply for a PNF Plan 

You need an approved Private Native Forestry Plan from Local Land Services to harvest timber on your land. 

Learn about Forest Management Plans

Find out how to apply for a Forest Management plan before you begin a forestry operation.

Forest management resources

Guides and best-practice advice from Local Land Services to help landowners to manage their forest. 

Shape the future of private native forestry

Landholders and contractors are invited to take part in a survey to improve the support we offer.

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What is private native forestry?

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Video transcript

What is private native forestry?

Private native forestry turns your native forest into a resource worth more than you might expect.

This approach to land management provides timber, biodiversity and pest control benefits, making it a valuable long-term investment.

Whether it complements your farming enterprise or stands alone as a forest property, it's a practical way to enhance what you already have.

Private native forestry is not land clearing—it involves the responsible management of trees and native forests in the short and long term.

You start with a forest and end with a forest, integrating economic gains, landscape health, and protection of habitats and biodiversity.

We understand that managing your forest is not always easy—that's where our Local Land Services Farm Forestry team can help.

We walk you through the Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice, which outline long-term sustainable management practices.

Using practical tools, we help you identify your forest types, maintain or improve their health, and enhance your farm's overall objectives.

A healthy forest supports diverse trees, plants and wildlife with room to thrive.

To maintain this balance, it's essential to control weeds that choke native plants, remove pests and diseased trees to stop illness, nurture the soil for seed beds, use tools like controlled burns when needed, and thin the canopy to let sunlight reach the forest floor—crucial for shade-intolerant native trees to grow.

Private native forestry equips landholders with the tools to responsibly manage their unique environments, strengthening trees and vegetation for a healthier, more biodiverse and productive forest.

Better for you, better for the environment, and better for your farm.

Ready to start? Contact your local Farm Forestry officer today.

What is Private Native Forestry?

Private native forestry is the active and ongoing management of native forests on privately owned land to improve long-term forest productivity. It is guided by the principles of ecologically sustainable forest management.  

Private native forestry involves undertaking forestry operations approved by Local Land Services using sustainable harvesting and other activities (such as weed, pest and fire management) to manage your native forest for a range of values including:

  • timber production
  • biodiversity conservation
  • protection of Aboriginal cultural values
  • promoting forest regeneration and health.
     

Get started

LLS farm forestry staff inspecting forest area

Do you need a PNF Plan?

You need an approved PNF Plan from Local Land Services to harvest timber from native forests on your land. Learn more about PNF Plans and how to apply for one.

an upward facing shot of the sky and canopy of a native forest from the ground

Considering a forestry operation?

Find out how to get started and the steps to take before planning a forestry operation.

Principles of sustainable forest management

Sustainability ensures future generations have the same opportunities to meet their needs as our present generation.

The ecologically sustainable management of NSW’s native forests for timber, biodiversity, culture, climate change and ecosystem services is key to ensuring future generations remain productive and sustainable.

Economic sustainability

Secures the productivity of NSW’s farm forests in the long term. 

Ecological sustainability

Ensures the effective management of biodiversity, climate change and ecosystem services such as clean water and healthy soils. 

Cultural sustainability

Encompasses the collective knowledge and practice that we attribute to multiple-use forests and the thousands of years of active forest management and stewardship by Aboriginal peoples. 

Social sustainability

Means that farmers continue to have access to the economic and environmental benefits we all derive from multiple-use forests

Legislation and compliance

You need an approved Private Native Forestry Plan to harvest timber from native forests on your land.

Local Land Services is responsible for Farm Forestry advice and PNF Plan approvals under Part 5B, Private Native Forestry, Local Land Services Act 2013

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is responsible for compliance and enforcement under the Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice. 

The NSW Forest Management Framework establishes a comprehensive system for delivering ecologically sustainable forest management in NSW. 

Local Land Services Farm Forestry Officers are in Coffs Harbour, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Forbes, Grafton, Moruya, Port Macquarie, Singleton, Wollongbar and Yass.

For all enquiries, please call us on 1300 795 299 or email pnf.info@lls.nsw.gov.au

Contact Local Land Services NSW

We welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments.  Contact our team

Find your nearest LLS office

Use the search function to find information or resources from Local Land Services.

Phone:1300 795 299
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