An important part of Ngāi Tahu Farming’s aim to be a leader in sustainable dairy farming has been to set aside over 150ha of land from its dairy farm developments at Te Whenua Hou for restoration of native biodiversity. Most of the Canterbury Plains has been farmed for a long time and native ecosystems have suffered as a result. The continuing intensification of agriculture through new dairy conversions is often seen as a further threat to what little remains. Ngāi Tahu Farming has entered into a three-year partnership with Lincoln University to develop a biodiversity plan, establish areas of native vegetation, and carry out research. Nick Dickinson, Professor of Ecology at Lincoln University, says increasing biodiversity is not just about making the landscape look nicer, but can be used to improve the quality of water and soil. Patches and corridors of native vegetation will be a feature on the Te … Continue reading Nurturing native biodiversity