Taking it’s name from the uniquely Australian tree that seems to ooze blood instead of sap, Bloodwood is host to a lake system that has the richest array of fairy shrimps, clam shrimps and shield shrimps in the world. As lifetime environmental advocates, it obviously held great appeal for Sue Hanson and her family, who took it over in 2008.

The sheer diversity of the property was a key selling point, and thanks to their two carbon projects, the Hansons have continued to invest in the property to the point where they regard it now as ‘completely set up’.

Sue says the ecosystem at Bloodwood can now effectively work on its own, because the carbon income gives them the luxury of being able to let it repair in the seasons when they don’t need to keep groundcover down, and then allow it to rest and recover to maintain its rich biodiversity.

Investment from the carbon project has included a rigorous feral animal control program, and extensive fencing, yard and watering programs. The financial buffer of the carbon money enables Sue to manage stock on the land without putting undue pressure on what is a fragile landscape. “Now we can manage the land with environmental sensitivity, and that has been a gift to us,” says Sue.

Bloodwood now employs someone to help with grading, maintaining the project area and keeping on top of feral animal control. They even take on agistment cattle after good years, with the confidence the land will be able to maintain its health and diversity.