Big Scrub

The Big Scrub was a subtropical rainforest that once covered a large portion of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. Before European settlement, it spanned approximately 75,000 hectares (190,000 acres), making it the largest continuous subtropical rainforest in Australia.

Characterized by its high biodiversity, the Big Scrub was home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which were endemic or rare. Its dense canopy created a humid microclimate that supported a complex ecosystem. Dominant tree species included figs, red cedars, and various rainforest hardwoods. Fauna included numerous bird species, mammals such as the long-nosed potoroo and koala, reptiles, amphibians, and a diverse insect population.

Following European settlement in the mid-19th century, the Big Scrub was extensively cleared for agriculture, particularly for dairy farming and sugar cane cultivation. The rich volcanic soils beneath the rainforest were highly prized for their fertility. This widespread deforestation resulted in the fragmentation of the rainforest and the loss of a significant portion of its original extent.

Today, only around 1% of the original Big Scrub remains, existing as scattered remnants and pockets of forest within a landscape largely transformed by agriculture and urbanization. Efforts are underway to protect and restore these remaining fragments, focusing on weed control, reforestation, and habitat connectivity. Organizations like the Big Scrub Landcare group play a key role in conservation efforts, working with landowners and the community to promote rainforest regeneration and biodiversity conservation. The remaining fragments are vital for the preservation of the region's unique flora and fauna and serve as a reminder of the once vast rainforest that dominated the landscape.