Quality Native Seed is essential for Nature Repair & Biodiversity Conservation
Native Seed For Ecological Restoration
SEED COLLECTION, COMMUNITY-BASED RESTORATION & INDIGENOUS TRAINING INITIATIVE
Native Seed For Ecological Restoration
SEED COLLECTION, COMMUNITY-BASED RESTORATION & INDIGENOUS TRAINING INITIATIVE
INNOVATING THE RESTORATION ECONOMY
Seed Production for Restoration Use
Did you know that nearly all of Australia's native seed supply is harvested from the wild? This practice, while traditional, is becoming increasingly unsustainable. The establishment of an Indigenous-owned and operated native seed production network is a groundbreaking initiative that merges traditional knowledge with modern ecological science.
Bush Botanics mission is to establish a realistic and sustainable model for native seed production. By involving community members across Indigenous lands, we are working to build capacity to support co-creating working partnerships with remote communities.
Supporting remote communities to offer private industry seed production for restoration activities at scale, our aim is to increase the quality and quantity of native plant materials available for restoration and supporting resilient ecosystems.
Our quality assessment is compliant with international principles and standards for native seed in ecological restoration. We base our harvesting and production across a wide variety of methods, locations, timing, techniques and agronomics.
Native seed production in remote community is ever-evolving - presenting both high rewards and steep learning curves. With continuous adaptation and effective community engagement, we are optimistic for a resilient future in small-scale native seed production
SEEKING SEED GROWER PARTNERSHIPS
Ecological restoration aims to re-establish damaged ecosystems to their former natural state. Seed production areas (SPAs) play a crucial role in this process by providing a reliable source of native plant seeds for restoration projects. These areas are established to cultivate and collect seeds from locally adapted plant species, ensuring the genetic integrity and ecological functionality of restored ecosystems.
Join our research project aimed at promoting ecological restoration and sustainable agricultural practices in Aboriginal communities. We are working closely with Indigenous producers to develop cultivation techniques and share best practices for native seed production. By participating in this project, you can contribute to the restoration of the ecosystem while activating sustainable land use and generating income. Working together, we can provide...
* Community Consultation & Engagement
* SPA Site preparation and weed control
* Plant selection and propagation
* Pollinator management
* Seed collection and storage
* Seed Testing
* Record Keeping & Impact Reporting
Our team works to establish community-managed native seed production areas and seed banks led by Indigenous organizations, established to serve as a research and learning laboratory and as a venue for exchange of formal and practical knowledge partnership between Indigenous land-holders and scientists, researchers and horticultural experts.
GENETIC
DIVERSITY
SPAs preserve the genetic diversity of native plant species, which is essential for ecosystem resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
LOCAL
ADAPTATION
Plants grown in SPAs are adapted to the specific climate, soil, and ecological conditions of the restoration site, enhancing their survival and growth.
COST
EFFECTIVE
Establishing SPAs can be more cost-effective than purchasing seeds from commercial sources, especially for large-scale restoration projects.
SEED PRODUCTION
AREAS
SPAs ensure a steady supply of high-quality seeds for restoration projects, reducing the need for seed collection from wild populations.
Native Seed Production Areas
The pace and scale of environmental degradation have increased significantly, leading to the loss of whole ecosystems. Restoring the function and structure of these systems is essential to continue providing ecosystem benefits.
Native seed is crucial in addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, as plants and trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon, making them essential in addressing climate change. Native seed, when used in restoration, serves as a nature-based solution to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
The UN estimates there is over 350 million hectares of land degraded by climate, weather, or human use. An estimated 1.9 billion tons of seed are required for this large-scale restoration effort. Native seed contains the genetic programming necessary for plants to thrive in their natural environment, responding to factors such as soil quality and precipitation, ensuring their adaptation to specific environments. Overgrazing and erosion, driven by historical land management practices, have led to significant landscape degradation and loss of native plant communities. There is an enormous demand for native seed, far outstripping current supplies.
Indigenous people are key to developing this sector due to their deep connection to the plants in their environment, with traditional ecological knowledge guiding seed selection, plant management and preservation. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into restoration efforts helps repair landscapes while maintaining ties with cultural contexts and creating economic opportunity in remote regions.
SEED HARVESTING
& PRODUCTION
Our sustainable and ethical seed collection methods ensure that the local ecosystems are not harmed, allowing you to support conservation efforts while obtaining the best and healthiest seed available.
NATIVE NURSERY
OPERATIONS
Our expert advice on plant species selection, weed and pest control, and project planning empowers you to make informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes in your biodiversity restoration projects.
Our direct seeding service can significantly boost the biodiversity of your land, offset the effects of land degradation, provide sustainable shelter for livestock, and create a habitat for indigenous plants and animals.
Indigenous people make up 5% of the world’s population, they steward 80% of the world’s biodiversity
NATIVE SEED SUPPLIES
Restoration Seed Bank
& Media Archive
At Bush Botanics, we recognize that traditional and indigenous knowledge is an invaluable resource. Our seed collections seek to honor and preserve this knowledge, as well as the plants themselves. We understand that traditional owners have knowledge of a plant's ecology, properties, and cultivation from seed that is not always considered or conserved alongside ex situ seed collections. To ensure that these important species can be protected and preserved for generations to come, we are taking a stand to pioneer this realm of seed and media archive development. Together, we can help protect our planet and ensure that this ecologically vital knowledge is not lost forever. Join us in preserving our heritage and save our future.
LET’S GROW TOGETHER
HOURS
Mon - Fri 8.00 - 18.00
Sat - Sun CLOSED
OUR ADDRESS
Alice Springs, NT
william@bushbotanics.com
support@nativeseed.com.au