Andrew Knop

Andrew Knop's interest in natural heritage started in the early '90s during a year-long motorcycle trip through the U.S. and Canada. He spent many months in national parks and on rural properties from Texas to Alaska. It was a foundational experience that opened his eyes to our world's amazing natural beauty and diversity. It also highlighted the need for individuals to take an active role in protecting and restoring what fundamentally makes life on Earth possible.     

On returning to Oz, the great work of Dr John Wamsley’s Earth Sanctuaries stood out as a very tangible and practical way of restoring our native ecosystems. To help find his footing in this new field of interest, Andrew volunteered with the Australian Conservation Volunteer Network and other natural resource management organisations. These varied experiences led him to focus on native plant seed collection, propagation and planting.     

John’s outstanding work protecting habitat and dealing with the threats to our unique wildlife inspired Andrew to protect and restore my own patch of our western woodlands.     

Along with his wife Jennifer, Andrew now manages 2,000 acres of woodlands, including endangered ecosystems – Box Gum Grassy, Fuzzy Box and Grey Box Grassy Woodlands – on their two conservation-registered properties.  

Two decades of very fulfilling work have transformed the properties with indigenous woodland plants regenerating and wildlife returning. Their vision is to leave a positive ecological and carbon footprint. They have learned a great deal over the years.