Southland Native Tree Project

Part of the Plant Nursery

Hello again. I've been writing about some serious issues over the past couple of months and make no mistake we are living in worrying times. However I thought that I should lighten up on this page and tell you about a small group of environmentalists that I have the good fortune of knowing.

Throughout the year I do voluntary environmental work in different parts of New Zealand. One of my favourite projects is the Southland Community Native Tree Nursery, situated on the outskirts of Invercargill, right at the bottom of New Zealand's South Island.

Individuals and groups visit the 17 acre property to cultivate native plants for restoration plantings. The work includes seed collection, preparation for sowing, propagating from cuttings, tree planting and general nursery work.

The aspect of the project that really excites me is that although the work is unpaid, in return for their labour volunteers can take away seedlings to plant on their own properties or wherever they wish. This is a great way to encourage and increase tree planting in the locality.

This type of enterprise could be replicated, not only in New Zealand but in many other parts of the globe where tree cover has been lost to make way for other land uses, such as farming.

The project is the brainchild of the property owners, Brian and Chris Rance, who have worked tirelessly over several years to make the scheme a success.

Link