A Commitment to Renewal

Farm Closure for Landscape Project

Collingwood Children's Farm will be closed for five days, from Monday, 1 September to Friday, 5 September 2025. This temporary closure is for a significant landscape renewal project that will benefit the Farm for years to come.

What is happening?

As part of our regenerative approach to agriculture, we are undertaking a project to remove a row of Monterey Cypress trees. The decision to remove the trees was made after a professional risk assessment revealed they are in declining health and infected with Cypress Canker. This disease has led to significant structural defects and has already resulted in limb failure on a highly-frequented path. This work is necessary to mitigate these risks and create a safer environment for our community. This is a crucial step to ensure the long-term health of our landscape. The removal of these trees, which have been in continuous decline, allows us to begin a new phase of planting that will enhance the Farm's biodiversity and resilience.

All permits and approval have been addressed with consent from the State Government, approval from Heritage Victoria and a permit from the City of Yarra which includes a tree succession plan. 

Why is the Farm closing?

A full site closure is necessary to safely carry out the tree removal. The process requires the use of heavy machinery, and a full shutdown will ensure the safety of our community and staff.

What happens next?

The trees will be replaced with long-term, resilient species to increase canopy coverage and shade in a changing climate. With the guidance from the City of Yarra Council, we are working with qualified professionals to select a suitable replacement species to recover and enhance the landscape value of the area. For  every one tree removed, two will be replaced.  This will include species such as Quercus ilex, Brachychiton populneus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Eucalyptus X studleyensis and more.

When will the Farm reopen?

We will reopen as usual on Saturday, 6 September 2025. During the closure, our team will also be working on other capital projects to continue improving the Farm, including:

  • New Guinea Pig Day Yard and Interior

  • New Chicken Pen for our exotic breeds and retired chooks

  • New Goat Yard

  • New Pig Pen Pathway for the Public

What happens to the timber?

The trees will be chipped into mulch for future landscape projects and the logs will be cut and stored for use around the Farm, like garden edging and paths.