The Location

📍 Chittering, Western Australia
Coordinates: 31.5139° S, 116.1545° E

Once cleared for agriculture, the Chittering site in the Northern Darling Ranges now faces invasive grasses, degraded soils, and a shrinking native canopy.

These pressures make the landscape increasingly vulnerable to drought, heatwaves, and biodiversity loss—environmental challenges that are intensifying across Western Australia.

Through science-backed restoration and reforestation, this project is reversing those trends. By reintroducing native species and restoring canopy cover, the initiative is rebuilding ecological resilience and reconnecting local communities with the surrounding landscape.

Western Australia’s forests cover nearly 18 million hectares, yet Chittering alone lost 24% of its forest cover between 2001 and 2024.

Restoring these areas is essential for long-term climate stability and biodiversity recovery.

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The Problem

The native ecosystems of Western Australia have experienced significant pressure from land clearing, soil degradation, and a rapidly warming climate. Key challenges include:

- Loss of canopy cover and habitat fragmentation
- Expansion of invasive grasses that outcompete native species
- Declining soil health and reduced water retention
- Increased exposure to extreme heat and drought
- Sharp reductions in wildlife populations dependent on native forests

Without intervention, these landscapes face continued ecological decline and a diminished ability to recover from climate-related stress.

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The Solution

In partnership with veritree and a verified local restoration team, this project is restoring balance to the Chittering ecosystem by:

- Planting 20 native tree species, including Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), Banksia grandis, Corymbia calophylla (marri), Hakea prostrata, Kunzea glabrescens, and more
- Improving soil structure and reducing invasive grass competition
- Creating ecological corridors that reconnect fragmented habitats
- Using field teams and geospatial monitoring to track canopy growth, survivability, and carbon capture
- Aligning planting with seasonal rainfall to maximize establishment and long-term health

By rebuilding native forests, the project strengthens biodiversity, restores natural processes, and increases the landscape’s resilience to future climate impacts.

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Partners

veritree works with a verified Western Australian restoration organization specializing in native ecology, adaptive land management, and data-driven reforestation.

Their on-the-ground expertise—combined with remote sensing technology—ensures high-quality planting, regionally appropriate species selection, and transparent reporting throughout the restoration process.

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The Impact

Restoring Chittering’s forests delivers ecological and community benefits, including:

- Reconnected habitat for species like Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Splendid Fairywren, Red Wattlebird, and Brushtail Possums
- Increased canopy cover that cools local temperatures
- Improved soil health and reduced erosion
- Greater carbon storage through long-term forest regrowth
- Local employment—approximately 10 work days per 10,000 trees planted
- Enhanced biodiversity through key species like Corymbia calophylla, which supports more than 80 native bee species

By restoring degraded land, the project builds a more resilient ecosystem equipped to withstand a changing climate.

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Metrics & Statistics

• Tree Species: 20 native species
• Planting Window: May–July
• Estimated CO₂ Sequestered: 1.2 tonnes per tree
• Land Restored: 7.36 hectares per 10,000 trees
• Work Days Created: 10 per 10,000 trees
• Estimated Survivability Rate: 65%

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Verification & Evidence

Initial Verification: Completed after planting through field reports and geospatial imagery.
Ongoing Monitoring: Quarterly updates track survivability, canopy development, and carbon capture.
Full Verification: Delivered within 12 months of planting once survivability is confirmed and progress is validated by veritree’s independent verification team.

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Sustainable Development Goals Supported

🌍 Climate Action
🌱 Life on Land

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How You Can Help

Ecodrive gives your business a simple way to support large-scale forest restoration in places like Chittering.

Connect everyday purchases, customer actions, or internal milestones to reforestation efforts that rebuild native canopy, protect wildlife, and strengthen ecosystem resilience across Western Australia.

Integrate Ecodrive with Shopify or your existing e-commerce platform to access automated reporting, verified impact data, and marketing tools that help your brand grow responsibly—while giving customers a transparent look at the restoration they’re supporting.

Contact us below to learn more or schedule a demo here