Bring your community together to heal local land through hands-on ecosystem restoration: planting trees, improving soil health, and creating living examples of regeneration that benefit people and nature alike.
"It only takes a shovel to plant a seedling. But it takes a village to raise a forest." - John D. Liu - founder of Ecosystem Restoration Communities
Around 4–6 hours per week over six months to plan, prepare, and begin active restoration
Build Your Core Team
Start by gathering a small group of motivated community members who share your vision of restoring local land. Hold an introductory meeting to discuss the purpose of your initiative and clarify everyone’s skills and interests — from gardening and logistics to communications or partnerships.
Define roles early: a coordinator to lead communication, a land steward to liaise with site owners, and a restoration lead to guide ecological planning. Approach local stakeholders such as schools, environmental NGOs, farmers, or municipal offices to seek collaboration or land access.
Begin with an inclusive visioning session — what does a restored landscape look and feel like to your community? Capture ideas in drawings or notes to inspire commitment. If motivation wanes, schedule short, regular meetings or site visits to keep the project visible and energised. Document early discussions — these become your project’s foundation story and a useful tool for inspiring others later.
Choose and Assess Your Site
Identify a piece of land that can be safely and sustainably restored. It might be an unused field, a neglected community space, or degraded farmland. Secure written permission from landowners and, if relevant, local authorities.
Conduct a simple ecological assessment: note soil type, slope, sunlight, existing vegetation, and signs of erosion or compaction. Take photos, sketch maps, and — if possible — collect basic soil samples. Free or low-cost tests can reveal soil texture, pH, and organic matter.
Involve local experts such as farmers, permaculturists, or ecologists who understand the native ecosystem. Their early advice will help you avoid costly mistakes. If your site is too large or complex, start with a manageable pilot area (around 0.5 hectares) to test your methods. Keep a site diary from the start. Baseline records will later help measure your impact and attract funding.
Design Your Restoration Plan
Use your site data to create a simple Restoration Design Plan — outlining your goals, priority areas, and timeline. Decide whether to focus on reforestation, soil regeneration, water retention, or a mix of these.
Map out key interventions, such as planting native tree species, building swales to slow water runoff, and adding organic matter to improve soil structure. Set short- and long-term goals (for example: “Plant 500 trees this year” and “Reintroduce pollinator species within three years”).
Involve your community in co-design workshops to encourage ownership and creativity. Visual maps and posters make plans more tangible and inviting. Avoid overcomplicating early stages — start with what you can maintain. The goal is steady progress, not perfection. Share your draft plan with the global ERC network or local experts for feedback. Collaboration often sparks valuable insights and partnerships.
Restore and Regenerate
Begin hands-on restoration activities according to your plan. Start small and expand as your team gains experience. Common first actions include: removing litter, planting native trees and shrubs, mulching to retain moisture, and establishing erosion-control structures.
Plan regular volunteer days and short workshops to teach skills like composting, seed collection, or water management. Build community spirit by combining work with shared meals and storytelling. Track participation, take before-and-after photos, and celebrate small wins. A visible transformation, even over a few months, boosts morale.
Tree survival issues often stem from poor watering or mulching — check moisture levels regularly, and protect young trees from grazing or trampling. End each workday with a brief circle to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. This keeps the group learning and connected.
Nurture, Monitor, and Share
Restoration is an ongoing relationship with the land. Plan for regular maintenance — watering, weeding, and monitoring survival rates — especially in the first two years. Use simple tools or mobile apps to record tree growth, biodiversity sightings, and soil improvements.
Engage your wider community by hosting open days, guided walks, or storytelling events. Share updates and photos on social media and in your project page to inspire others and attract future volunteers. Rotate leadership roles to prevent burnout and encourage new ideas.
If participation drops, reframe activities around seasonal themes — like “Spring Soil Day” or “Birdsong Morning” — to rekindle interest. Celebrate your achievements annually. Invite partners, neighbours, and local leaders to see the change firsthand. Recognition sustains energy for the years of care ahead.
