This is what we’re about…

We are leading the way in demonstrating innovate and enduring ways to utilise the Richmond Hills - which are a key visual backdrop to our amazing district.

About Silvan Forest

For the last 150 years Silvan Forest was part of wider traditional sheep farming and forestry operations, which for generations were seen as the best use of the expansive north-facing foothills which border our residential populations and coastal areas.

Following our last radiata harvest in 2019, we challenged this thinking - and supported by the success of our increasing MTB network - chose to retire the forest from production forestry and re-plant in permanent species.

Our vision is for a unique mixed forest that will form the enduring backdrop of our district, as well as provide a genuinely unique playground for recreation, tourism and conservation opportunities.

Our journey is underway, and while there has been plenty of hard work, it is fantastic to see our young trees thriving and more people enjoying the forest every year.

These hills are an under utilised gem of our district - they are easily accessed, provide outstanding views and are the background to our whole district. We are encouraging our neighbours to look at similar opportunities with the potential to provide recreational links fall the way from the Brook to Aniseed valley - imagine that..

So far,

so good.

Ongoing Progress &

Proud Milestones

  • Planted Radiata in 1994

  • First MTB trails started in 2012

  • Trails were impacted by harvesting in 2018-19, including restrictions of access and damage to trails.

  • Concerns raised about downstream environmental impacts were a factor in reviewing the future use of the forest

  • Funding from the 1 Billion Trees scheme helped to make the idea a reality.

  • Mapping and species selection progressed wtih Appletons Nursery.

  • First permanent species planted in 2020.

  • Significant trail development momentum started when security of forest was confirmed.

  • Silvan Steps Amphitheatre constructed in 2023

  • Silvan Arena jumps open in 2024