Native Cabinet Timber Spacing Trial and Camphor Conversion Field Visit at Whian Whian

The Subtropical Farm Forestry Association (SFFA) and Whian Whian Landcare, in partnership with Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council, invite landholders and community members to a Project Walk and BBQ at Whian Whian on Wednesday 14th October, 2026.

The afternoon will feature a guided site visit to a Southern Cross University rainforest cabinet timber spacing trial, providing an opportunity to learn about plantation design, timber quality outcomes, and ongoing research into rainforest cabinet timber production.

Participants will also visit an active camphor conversion project to see firsthand how the site has progressed over time. The walk will highlight key learnings, challenges, and successes in transitioning camphor-dominated areas to productive and biodiverse native forest systems.

This is a great opportunity to connect with local landholders, forestry practitioners, researchers, and environmental organisations while sharing knowledge and experiences in farm forestry and ecological restoration.

A light afternoon tea will be provided, and a BBQ dinner will follow the late afternoon camphor conversion project site walk.

What you'll see:

• Southern Cross University rainforest cabinet timber spacing trial

• Camphor conversion project in action

• Practical insights into farm forestry and ecological restoration

• Networking opportunities with landholders and industry experts

• BBQ and refreshments

Come along to explore innovative approaches to native forestry, restoration, and sustainable land management in the Northern Rivers.

What to bring: Participants should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for seasonal conditions, including closed-in outdoor footwear and a hat. Please bring your own PPE and field essentials, including sunscreen, insect repellent, water/bottle, wet weather clothing where required.

Accessibility: The field trip includes visits to outdoor forestry and farming sites which may involve walking on uneven and loose surface ground, A moderate level of fitness will be required for the plantation tours.

Bookings are essential

This event is one of a series of workshops and field trips highlighting the multiple benefits and economics of tree growing on farms and provides opportunities to tour a range of local examples in our region. This agroforestry workshop program delivered by the Byron Shire Council Agriculture Team in partnership with the Subtropical Farm Forestry Association is funded through Forestry Australia's Farm and Agroforestry reserve fund with additional support from Lismore City Council.