Treehugger is located in the Northern Territory of Australia, one of the last great unspoilt stretches of nature; the Territory has a population of around 250 thousand people and covers an area of 1.4 million square kilometres - roughly the same size as Peru. There is little development compared to the rest of Australia although the large number of mining operations and a significant military presence are not particularly environmentally friendly. The majority of the population live in Darwin in the north (or "Top End") while the other population centre is Alice Springs, in the "red centre" of Australia. Thirty two percent of the population is indigenous, a figure which is the highest across the eight Australian states and territories.

Read more about the people of the NT.

Treehugger is a block of land about 40kms outside of Darwin. It covers 23 acres and a stream (or "creek") bisects the block, meandering through two billabongs before joining up with the Elizabeth River which flows into the Arufra Sea. The block had previously been partly cleared and used for mango farming; the naturally delicate soils had been exhausted and native trees, shrubs and grasses replaced with invasive species.

Read more about the land.

The Top End's tropical climate can be harsh and unforgiving. For many the year is split into two parts: the wet season with rain, humidity and possible cyclones; and the dry season, no rain, sunny days and cold nights. Indigenous people consider the Top End climate as more varied with a year split into six distinctive times. Much of this variation is based on changes to trees and grasses - something non-indigenous Australians seem not to notice.

Read more about the climate of the Top End.

The low population density and the tropical setting were important in our choosing this block of land for treehugger: the threat of development was lessened and tropical trees are the highest converters of carbon per tree in the world. It is also worth pointing out we are three hours drive to Kakadu, 30 minutes from an international airport and closer to Singapore than Sydney.

Perfect.