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Planting for the future: New fig trees take root along University Mall

Out of a destructive storm has come an opportunity to preserve and reimagine one of UNSW’s most iconic landscapes.

Published on the 30 May 2025
UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

In late May, UNSW Estate Management planted four indigenous Ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson fig) trees along the University Mall, replacing trees lost during the severe 27 December 2024 storm – which led to the removal of over 15 mature trees across the Kensington Campus.

But this project started years earlier. In 2019, Mark Clark, Manager of Grounds in UNSW Estate Management, recognised the need to prepare the potential loss of UNSW’s most significant trees: the 120-year-old figs lining Fig Tree Lane. Working with tree propagation specialist Trees Impact, Mark collected seeds from these heritage trees. Seeds were propagated and cultivated over six years. Each tree, now weighing over 500 kilograms, has been grown to restore and continue the legacy of these campus icons. 

“Preserving the integrity of our landscape – especially the parts with real heritage value – requires long-term planning,” said Mark.

The planting was carefully coordinated, and the final touches – including mulch defined turf rings – were completed at the end of May 2025. 

By planting now, UNSW is investing in the future of the campus environment – supporting sustainability, biodiversity, and heritage preservation in line with the Progress for All Strategy. The University joined the and set its net gain in biodiversity target by 2025.
UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

2019: Fig tree seedlings

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

2021: Fig trees seedlings taking shape

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

2024: The fig trees are ready for planting

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

Fig trees arrive at Kensington Campus, weighing 500kg each

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

Positioning the fig trees using a loader crane

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

UNSW Estate Management’s forward-thinking approach to landscape sustainability and heritage preservation through the planting of new fig trees along the University Mall.

Fig trees ready to grow in their new location on campus

UNSW Estate Management is investing in long-term landscape sustainability and resilience – helping to protect heritage trees, restore high-profile campus spaces, and support the University's commitment to a safe, sustainable, and future-ready environment.
UNSW Estate Management