2020 Research Report - Regenerating: Our Land, Our People, Our Future

Australia has been faced with two life and land altering events in the past year – the horrific summer bushfires of 2019/20, followed soon after by the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic. Now, the Australian people and landscape face the task of recovery. To explore how our land and communities have been impacted and how together, we can start the journey towards regeneration, read the full report.

Report Summary

The 2020 Tree Report is focused on the central theme of ‘Regeneration: for our land, our people and our future’. We have drawn on scientific research and expert opinion in order to share knowledge and provide practical tips for personal and environmental regeneration.

In the Tree Report, we examine how Australian landscapes and ecosystems were impacted by the summer 2019/20 bushfires and highlight the importance of natural regeneration processes in recovery. We investigate how the mental health of Australians has been impacted by these disturbances and how we can support each other in healing. Finally, we look to the future. We investigate human resilience after exposure to trauma and how Australian ecosystems, while naturally resilient, may fundamentally transform if pushed beyond their tipping point.

Get involved in the Hug a Tree campaign and show your commitment to regeneration. 

View and download the Report and Infographic below: 


Special thanks to report contributors: 

  • Dr Mel Taylor – Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University  
  • Tein Macdonald – President, Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) 
  • Oliver Costello – CEO, Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corportation 
  • Maggie Dent - Parenting author and educator 
  • Sarah Chaplin - Campaigns Coordinator, Planet Ark 
  • Dr Claire Brandenburger - Researcher, Planet Ark 

Previous Research Reports

2019 - Living Cities: Trees in the Urban Environment

2018 - Connect in Nature

2017 - The Learning from Trees - Life Lessons for Future Generations

2016 - Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment

2015 - Needing Trees: The Nature of Happiness

2014 - Valuing Trees: What is Nature Worth?

2013 - Missing Trees: The Inside Story of an Outdoor Nation

2012 - Planting Trees: Just What the Doctor Ordered

2011 - Climbing Trees: Getting Aussie Kids Back Outside