Taking on a community microforest is a genuine commitment — and one of the most rewarding things you can do for the place you live. This guide walks you through the whole journey, phase by phase. You don't need to read it all at once. Work through it as you go and come back to each section when you need it.
📌 This is a live document. Bookmark this page — don't save or download a copy. When we update the guide, you'll automatically have the latest version.
Before you go further: set a target planting date. Pick a weekend in spring or autumn, roughly 12–18 months from now. Write it down and share it with your team. Work backwards from that date and the whole journey becomes a sequence of clear steps.
Not everyone will help when you need it, and that's fine. Some people will barely engage during planning and then show up on planting day with their kids and become your most loyal volunteers. Community projects have a way of surprising you. Don't be derailed by either. Just keep moving.
Templates
Email templates
Copy and customise these for each stage of your project. Replace all bracketed placeholders with your own details before sending.
Template 1 — Initial CED approvals enquiry
To: CED.LandUse@act.gov.au | CC: CED.PublicLandUse@act.gov.au
Good morning,
I'm writing on behalf of the project team for a proposed community microforest at [Block X, Section X, SUBURB] — an open grassed area zoned PRZ1: Urban Open Space.
The project will involve a native planting of approximately [X] plants across [X]m², along with subsurface water harvesting earthworks. There is no tree removal, no permanent structures, and no road or path closures planned. The project is community-led and crowdfunded, auspiced by Microforest Collective (ACN 689 956 803), a registered charity with DGR status.
We are preparing a Permit application and would like to confirm the documentation required for a project of this nature before submission. We hold public liability insurance with $20 million coverage under Microforest Collective. Could you please confirm this is sufficient for the permit, or whether site-specific coverage is required?
Happy to provide further information or meet on site.
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Project name] — supported by Microforest Collective
Template 2 — Residents association or community council
Subject: Community microforest proposal — [site name], [suburb]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to reach out before we launch our community engagement process for a proposed microforest at [site name] in [suburb].
The project will involve a community co-designed native planting on the existing grassed PRZ1 land at [site address]. It's crowdfunded and volunteer-led, with governance provided by Microforest Collective. Similar projects are already established in Downer, Watson, Holt, and Dunlop.
We're running site tours for locals over the coming weeks and would love your members to be involved. I'd be grateful for the chance to brief you beforehand, and to make sure any concerns from the [suburb] community are heard early in the process.
Would you have 15 minutes for a call or meeting in the next week or two?
[Your name]
[Your phone]
Template 3 — Local business outreach
Subject: [Project name] — supporting a community microforest in [suburb]
Hi [Name],
I'm [your name], a local resident leading a community microforest project at [site name] in [suburb]. We're creating a dense native planting that will cool the area, provide habitat, and give the neighbourhood a new gathering space.
We're holding a fundraiser in the coming weeks and would love [business name]'s support — whether that's a voucher or product for auction, or simply coming along on the night. It's a good way to show your connection to the local community, and we'll acknowledge all supporters in our campaign and on-site signage.
I'd love a quick chat if you're interested.
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Project crowdfunding page URL]
Template 4 — Pub or venue approach
Subject: Community fundraiser — [project name], [suburb]
Hi [Name],
I'm leading a community microforest project in [suburb] and we're looking for a local venue to host a fundraising evening. We're aiming for [month], expecting around 50–80 people, and it's the kind of crowd that tends to eat and drink well.
The format is a tree auction — a fun, lively night that raises money for a native planting in the neighbourhood. We'd acknowledge [venue name] as our venue partner across all our channels and on-site signage.
We'd ideally like to use the venue at no cost in exchange for the foot traffic and promotion — happy to discuss what works for you.
Would you be up for a quick conversation?
[Your name]
[Your phone]
Template 5 — Plant order enquiry
To: provided by MC on project setup
Subject: Plant order enquiry — [project name], [suburb]
Hi,
I'm leading a community microforest project at [site name] in [suburb], supported by Microforest Collective. We're planning a planting day in [month/season] and are beginning to plan our plant order.
Our landscape architect has confirmed a species list and planting area of approximately [X]m² at 3 plants per square metre — [X] plants in total. I'd love to discuss supply, timing, and whether you'd recommend any additional nurseries for species you may not stock.
Would you have time for a quick call or to review the species list when it's ready?
[Your name]
[Your phone]
[Project name] — supported by Microforest Collective