Council’s Healthy Streams programme funds our work to improve freshwater quality around Nelson. We do this through championing work to reduce pollution and erosion across many different types of land use.
The quality of any freshwater body – river, stream, lake – is directly related to the land around it.
We’ve been working with landowners in North Nelson to support them to manage their land in a way that will improve the health of their local rivers and streams, by reducing soil erosion and run-off. Some of them live a long way from a river, but what happens on their land still has an impact. Our key message is, “Plant trees.”
We’ve been so inspired by the work these landowners have been doing, and by their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the native habitats they are creating, that we wanted to share their stories with you. We’ve made a series of video interviews that highlight the challenges and joys of land restorations as well as the difficulties, and the considerable commitment required. Read on for the first in the series.
High on a hill
For John and Fiona Price, seeing how tall the rimu trees they planted 21 years ago on their 3ha hillside block have grown is a source of great satisfaction.
“When we looked at this block all those years ago, it was all grazed by cattle with patches of gorse," says John. "We pushed the fences out around the house and were inspired by the way the whiteywood came away once it was protected from grazing.”
“We are much more aware now of what we can achieve. We’re concerned about the future of the planet – our daughters are supportive and help with the planting. We know what we’re doing will help support the work being done at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, and to improve the health of the Wakapuaka River. We all benefit from that.”
For John and Fiona's full story and video, read more
here.
Nelson Nature and
Healthy Streams are Nelson City Council-funded environmental programmes working to restore our environment, habitats and freshwater.
For more info on Council's Healthy Streams Land Management programme contact
susan.moore-lavo@ncc.govt.nz.
