Bushtracks

Bushtracks needed to evolve from a dense, newsletter-style format into an inspiring, high-quality magazine aligned with Bush Heritage Australia’s mission to protect ecosystems and wildlife. The brief called for a spacious and engaging design that embodied the organisation’s values of conservation and connection to Country, while also remaining informative and accessible. Design by Nature was engaged to enhance the visual and editorial experience within tight resource constraints, as well as maintaining consistency with brand guidelines. The redesign also reflected a shared commitment to sustainability, incorporating environmentally responsible design practices and materials that honoured Bush Heritage Australia’s ethos.

The redesign of Bushtracks is an editorial-style publication. A new layout system strikes a balance between research and science, complemented by emotive stories, and impactful photography. A simplified grid and refined typography further enhance clarity and emotional engagement. The challenge of translating scientific content into an approachable, emotionally resonant publication was met through thoughtful design and prototyping. Ongoing collaboration with Bush Heritage staff, Traditional Owners and the client’s design team helped shape the refreshed visual language, refining layout templates and defining image treatments for various content types. Throughout, accessibility across print and digital platforms was prioritised.

The redesign of Bushtracks strengthened donor engagement by showcasing real-world conservation impact and acted as a compelling fundraising tool, building supporter loyalty and trust. It amplified diverse voices, particularly Traditional Owners and conservation workers, while educating the public on land restoration and environmental stewardship. By supporting sustainable messaging aligned with Bush Heritage’s mission, the project contributed to broader social and cultural awareness through inclusive storytelling. It fostered an emotional connection with readers, inspiring ongoing support and behavioural change, and enhanced the organisation’s commercial resilience. Together, these outcomes helped drive positive environmental, societal, and financial impact for future conservation efforts.

Large-scale photography: Immersive imagery from the field enhances visual storytelling and connects readers to place. Narrative structure: Stories from Traditional Owners, scientists and volunteers provide insight and drive emotional engagement. Flexible grid system: Clean, modular layouts accommodate rich imagery and complex editorial content. Typographic harmony: A considered mix of serif and sans-serif typefaces evokes trust, warmth and clarity. Cross-platform design: The refreshed design is optimised for accessibility and impact across both print and digital formats, ensuring the widest audience can be reached. Sustainable production: The magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled fibre, made using a carbon-neutral process and vegetable-based inks. Design for clarity: Colour-coded sections, clear navigation and consistent visual hierarchy support readability. Values-led visual language: The new direction is calm, grounded and nature-connected, reflecting Bush Heritage’s well-established brand ethos. Sustainability aligned: Communicates conservation values and encourages thoughtful, positive action.