Australian doctor, 76, restores 120 hectares with thousands of native trees

 Susan Downes, a retired general practitioner, is restoring a 200-hectare property for conservation in York. She has planted around 45,000 native seedlings and has managed to revive 45 plant species. In addition to restoration, Downes aims to create a conservation covenant for the land’s future protection. Local volunteer groups and community members support her conservation efforts and engage in cultural activities. Susan Downes, a retired general practitioner, is restoring a 200-hectare property for conservation in York. She has planted around 45,000 native seedlings and has managed to revive 45 plant species. In addition to restoration, Downes aims to create a conservation covenant for the land’s future protection. Local volunteer groups and community members support her conservation efforts and engage in cultural activities.