NGS Super makes sustainable forestry investment via alts manager

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

18 December 2025

In a reflection of heightened Australian super fund appetite for sustainable real asset opportunities, NGS Super has backed UK-based alternative assets specialist, Gresham House’s, Sustainable International Forestry Strategy Platform.

Managing to complete its first close after securing more than AUD$440 million in commitments, the platform seeks to offer co-investment opportunities for institutional investors based off a “diversified, mixed-age portfolio” focused in productive timberland and afforestation across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

“Welcoming NGS Super as our first Australian superannuation investor is an important step in the continued global expansion of our sustainable forestry platform,” Tony Dalwood, CEO of Gresham House, said. “Australia plays a critical role in the future of timber supply and natural capital markets, and we are pleased to partner with a fund that shares our long-term view of sustainable real assets.

“Forestry is uniquely positioned to support Australia’s housing and construction requirements, create regional jobs, and contribute to national climate objectives. The Strategy Platform is designed to capture these long-term opportunities.”

Backed by Gresham House’s dedicated forestry division with over AUD$7.4 billion in global assets, the initiative also addresses the local demand for sustainable softwood as the country looks to accelerate its housing construction pipeline, reduce pressure on native forests and achieve net zero commitments.

“Sustainable forestry provides diversification, inflation-linked income and long-term value creation for our members. It also allows us to support climate and biodiversity improvements while contributing to Australia’s future timber supply,” Ben Squires, Chief Investment Officer at NGS Super, said.

“Partnering with an experienced global manager like Gresham House enables us to build exposure to high-quality forestry assets – including within Australia – under a robust and credible sustainability framework.”

The platform will also fall under Gresham House’s flagship Sustainable Investment Policy and Forestry Charter, which meet international sustainable forest management standards and integrate ESG considerations into investment philosophy, including climate change, biodiversity and community impacts.