REGENERATING AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND THROUGH RESTORING THE BUSH
Nelson / Tasman
Tane | Fixing The Mess We Made!
I'm going to keep this kickstarter short and sweet because the goal is simple!
I just want to plant trees.
Success is now measured in concrete and glass. It breaks my heart to see the vastness of cleared land. We recently moved to our farm and in searching the history I found reference to the first setters. The diary is published in the local museum and the guy is boasting about how much land they cleared. The process was simple.
Set fire to the bush and get a grant from the government.
The result is no native bush for as far as the eye can see.
I want to do my very little part in putting it back.
Tāne is a rewilding project set up by Paul & Anna at their 150 acre farm in Ngatimoti of which 50 acres have been set aside to rewild. These areas sit alongside and in harmoney productive land so remains sustainable. There was never any need to clear the land entirely because much of it is just too steep.
Rewilding the land
“There are groups setting up in this area. There are planting, trapping and weed busting groups. My neighbour has already successfully rewilded his section so we have a proven template. The biggest issue the projects are facing is securing a ready supply of affordable natives.”
Paul is setting up the first Tāne Nursery at the farm to supply his and local projects. Two acres of growing on land have been set aside with a large pole barn that will be converted into a greenhouse.
Rewilding is a progressive approach to conservation. It’s about letting nature take care of itself, enabling natural processes to shape land and sea, repair damaged ecosystems and restore degraded landscapes. Through rewilding, wildlife’s natural rhythms create wilder, more biodiverse habitats.
Rewilding ... It's not difficult!
Step 1. plant nursery crops such as tree lucern or use existing plant such as gorse. They fix nitrogen and protect the young natives.
Step 2. The cover attracts birds that spread native seeds
Step 3. Natives break through to the light and the nursery plant die off
Hey presto! Rewilding in 10 years.
Big problem! It's not cheap!
Growing from seed will form the backbone of the project. In the meantime I am purchasing as many root trainers (young trees) as I can. These are grown on in the shade houses and when planted out will form a 'spine' of vegetation in the gullies. They nurture and support further planting on the fringes and so the rewilding spreads.
I have great relationships with a couple of local nurseries and already received small grants from council and organisations.
The rewilded land will be protected by covenants in the deeds.
As far as rewards I can only offer a huge thank you and a promise
EVERY CENT RAISED WILL GO INTO REWILDING.
I am the land owner and planting project manager.
We have set aside a 20'x40' steel framed building to convert to a greenhouse. There is a further hactre set aside for seed beds. The funds go directly towards nursery infrastructure, support, seed purchases and planting projects.
Hi Chris - Just wanted to say thank you - this is very much appreciated.
Just wanted to say thank you - this is very much appreciated.
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