We’d like to hear your feedback about how you currently use the Forest, what you love about it, and if you would like to be notified regarding any updates about the Forest.  Let us know by taking a short 2 - 5 minute survey.

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The survey will be open from January to April 2023

Foresters’ Forest is an arboretum, where 12 different forests and woodland experiences have been planted.  Each forest has its own distinctive character, due to contrasting colours, shapes, textures and scents.  This unique urban forest was initiated by foresters – those trained in forest science to nurture and manage forests and woodlands. The first tree was planted in 1993 by Dame Roma Mitchell, with the remainder of the forest being planted by 12 different community groups over the next 10 years.

There is lots to see. You may notice different coloured trunks and textures.

You may notice a variety of flowers, nectar, leaf shapes and bird life.

The community began planting Foresters’ Forest in 1993. The purpose was to provide 12 contrasting urban forest and woodland experiences that were mostly inspired by naturally occurring forests and woodlands around Australia.

The Ironbark Trail has been constructed to go through Foresters’ Forest, commencing from the Terama Street carpark of the North Adelaide Lacrosse Club and concluding at the Adelaide SuperDrome/Roma Mitchell Trailhead.  Refer to the State Sports Park Trails Plan.

The trail takes you through a shaded woodland experience, traversing through a section of the arboretum through the Black Oak/Mulga, Sugar Gums, Ironbarks, Brown Mallets and Peppercorn Trees.

The trail has been constructed using a 100% recycled Bitumate compacted rubble product. This has environmental benefits as it reuses reclaimed asphalt, thereby reducing disposal to landfill.

The alignment for the trail has been based on the State Sports Park Trails Plan completed in September 2022. The project has been funded by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) and Green Adelaide.

ORSR has been working with Green Adelaide, Port Adelaide Enfield Council and Foresters’ Forest Management Group representatives on a Greening Program for the site. The purpose is to provide better access and connections, improve biodiversity, nature education and links with the school, to enhance Foresters’ Forest as a key community space. The removal of tyres around mature tree trunks and weed control works are also underway.

Ironbark Trail  before and after images

Peter Bulman and Rick Underdown, two of the original professional foresters, who began planting the Forest in 1993, share their story about how the Forest came to be.

View video

The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing has been working with Green Adelaide, City of Port Adelaide Enfield and representatives of the Foresters’ Forest Management Committee, to improve the Forest, specifically in relation to:

• trails through the site, to create a loop through the 12 urban forests;
• improved access and wayfinding;
• weed control and revegetation works; and
• nature education signage to identify the 12 different urban forests.