A free workshop to promote the benefits of trees on small farms and lifestyle blocks will be held in Queenstown on Thursday 24 April.

The workshop is one of a nationwide series aimed at encouraging landowners to think again about the potential for trees on their property. Planting the right trees in the right place can bring multiple benefits on any size of property, and this workshop is targeted mainly at owners of smaller blocks in the Wakatipu region.

It will combine presentations, short video clips and a field trip to two local properties. The workshop will draw on the expertise and practical experience of local farm foresters, farm advisers, regional council staff, and a range of other professionals.

The aim is to help farmers and landowners identify how planting the right trees in the right place can boost farm profitability and deliver other multiple benefits such as soil conservation, shade, shelter and fodder for livestock, better water quality, and habitat for native wildlife.

Morning presentation topics include:

• Trees on small holdings – objectives / species choice / siting  
• Wakatipu wilding issues and control
• Avoiding wilding spread 
• Opportunities for natives on small holdings 
• The Emissions Trading Scheme and forestry – an update
• Opportunities for non-timber crops on small holdings

The afternoon field visits to Jo Boyd’s small-holding and then to Neil Simpson’s native planting at Wye Creek showcase  what can be achieved on properties in the local environment. There will be plenty of time to discuss best-practice options for tree planting and management for different objectives.

For full details of the day’s programme and to register for the day (to assist with catering), contact Briana Pringle briana.pringle@qldc.govt.nz  03 450 1705

By: QLDC