VicForests has started its annual planting season after receiving a delivery of more than 200,000 seedlings.

The seedlings will be used to replant forest areas, including those affected by bushfires and harvested areas, to restore the natural ecosystem of forests.

VicForests staff in Alexandra have unloaded more than 100,000 of these seedlings. These seedlings will be used, along with the remaining 100,000, to help ensure the planting process cover a wide range of locations across the North East, West and East Gippsland Forest Management Areas.

To maintain ecological balance, VicForests utilises a diverse range of seedlings, representing the same species that were originally present in each forest area such as Messmate, Alpine Ash, Mountain Ash, Grey Gum, Brown Stringybark and Silvertop tree species.

VicForests Regeneration Forester Karen Doherty said this is the part of VicForests’ job where everything comes full circle.

“The harvesting is done, the site is prepared, and we complete the cycle with sowing and planting," she said.

“The sites we plant range from 0.5 hectares all the way to 20 hectares at a time, and we use several methods, such as hand planting, and aerial and drone sowing in tougher terrain, to get the job done.

"I come in to water these seedlings twice a day for the duration of this operation to make sure that they are in the best possible condition before planting."

The seedlings will be carefully planted in prepared areas, marking the beginning of the next generation of forests in Victoria.

VicForests remains committed to its mission of responsible forest management and the restoration of forest ecosystems for the enjoyment of future generations to come.