We Save Critically Endangered Rainforest
IN THE BIG SCRUB AND BEYOND
We are a community conservation group working to save critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest, its incredible biodiversity and its many threatened species.
For over 30 years, we’ve protected and restored the Big Scrub rainforest in the hinterland of Byron Bay, connected the community and deployed groundbreaking, science-backed restoration techniques.
Our world-leading Science Saving Rainforests program applies genetic rescue science to improve rainforest restoration outcomes in the Big Scrub and beyond.
We are the Voice of the Rainforest
About Us
About Us
Donate
Donate
Backed by Science
Backed by Science
Welcome to the Big Scrub
The “Big Scrub” was once the largest area of lowland subtropical rainforest in Australia: it covered 75,000 ha in the hinterland of Byron Bay, until cleared by European settlers. Today, only 1% of this once mighty rainforest remains.
Despite this devastation, its remnants retain the highest proportion of Gondwana-descended species of any rainforest in Australia, with lineages dating back more than 180 million years. Home to the richest terrestrial biodiversity in NSW – the third richest in Australia – it’s an ancient, complex ecosystem of immense ecological and cultural value.
Science Saving Rainforests
Our ground-breaking Science Saving Rainforests program analyses the genomes of 60 species occurring in critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest based on DNA sequencing of more than 10,000 leaf samples.
These genome analyses inform the establishment of a multi-species living seed bank plantation that will produce planting stock with optimal genetic diversity for restoration plantings to help save from extinction our critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest and its threatened species.
Watch Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy on ABC’s Landline
Landline’s in-depth story tells the tale of the Big Scrub, what’s being done to save it and how we’re repairing the severe lack of genetic diversity among its tree species. It’s great recognition of the Big Scrub and ecological significance of subtropical rainforest ecosystems.
Koalas in the Big Scrub: A Conservation Dilemma
With mass eucalypt plantings on land that was once Big Scrub rainforest increasing, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy is calling for a measured approach to koala habitat creation in North-Eastern NSW.
We’ve created a short film and other resources exploring the conservation dilemma of Koalas in the Big Scrub, and gathered during Big Scrub Rainforest Day Celebrations in November 2023 to discuss the issue with the community.
Exclusive Access and Free Gift* for Monthly Donors
By supporting us you help
Donate monthly to join our Voice of the Rainforest community and receive free or discounted access to tours and events.
Monthly donors of $50 or more receive a free copy of our book The Big Scrub Rainforest: A Journey Through Time. This beautiful book is your essential companion to understanding the Big Scrub.
- Protect ancient, biodiverse rainforest
- Create new rainforest
- Protect threatened flora and fauna
- Our world-first Science Saving Rainforests Program
Our Publications
Browse through our publications below to explore, learn, and discover more about the Big Scrub Rainforest and how you can support its conservation.
The Big Scrub Rainforest: A Journey Through Time
The Big Scrub Rainforest: A Journey Through Time explores the ecological and cultural value of the Big Scrub, with contributions from Bob Brown, Dr Tony Parkes and Martin Brook, along with the region’s best ecologists, photographers and regenerators. Take a journey into the Big Scrub and learn how it came to be.
Subtropical Rainforest Restoration Manual
Our rainforest restoration manual is a comprehensive guide for land owners, managers and regenerators seeking to re-establish or rehabilitate rainforest. The manual contains information on how to care for existing subtropical rainforest remnants as well as re-establish subtropical rainforest on cleared land.
Our Programs
Science Saving Rainforests
Re-establishing Rainforest
Remnant Care
Connecting Community
Stories of Success
Major Partners and Supporters
