Grow guards can be helpful, sometimes critical, in increasing survival of new planted trees. They help with protecting from dry winds, frosts, rabbits, hares and pukekos, and rank grass. However, if your conditions allow, you can save money by not using them. When planning restoration, also do a cost/benefit analysis of your systems. Mark Lovegrove, from Cloudy Bay Vineyards, finds he can do without them. Watch his 1min video.
Tag: Planting
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All about Planting workshop, July 2025
Participants from viticulture, farming, urban and lifestyle blocks came together at Clos Henri vineyard to hear all about planting, starting with a presentation from Wairau Nature Network coordinator Wendy Sullivan on planning, preparation, planting and protection. We then went on a small tour of the restoration efforts of Clos Henri vineyard.
Clos Henri have been restoring their central valley since 2022, and are a perfect example of incorporating native biodiversity into a productive landscape. Participants then smashed out planting 250 trees in a hour before enjoying a gourmet BBQ and the opportunity to taste Clos Henri’s organic wine.
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Upcoming: Community planting day
Community Planting Day, 6 June 2026 9:30am -12:30pm
Thomsons Ford Reserve has been adopted by the Wairau Nature Network as a demonstration site for restoration techniques and educational opportunities.
We are excited about working with you to plant the first 1000 trees!
Planting from 9:30-12pm, then join us for a BBQ lovingly cooked by the Lions Club Blenheim. For catering please register here
Where: Thomsons Ford, junction of O’Dwyers and Thomsons Ford roads
Bring: warm clothes, gumboots or solid boots, a spade if you have one, and a water bottle
Postponement: 13th June- registered volunteers will receive email notification, otherwise please check Wairau Nature Network facebook page before 8:30am.
Any questions, please email wendy.sullivan@landcare.org.nz
This event is part of Junior Landcare, a nationwide initiative by NZ Landcare Trust and supported by the Bupa Foundation, connecting families to nature through fun, hands-on experiences. The Wairau Nature Network is proud to be the Junior Landcare host for 2026!
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Plants for supporting kererū
The kererū is vital to the survival of Aotearoa’s native forests. It is the only bird capable of swallowing and dispersing large native fruits (greater than 12mm in diameter) whole. Tree species such as tawa and miro rely on kererū to spread their seeds and regenerate new forest. Without kererū, these trees would struggle to reproduce, and forests would gradually change in composition. For this reason, kererū are considered a keystone species of lowland forests.
Protecting kererū means safeguarding the ecological processes that sustain our native forests. Through restoring habitat and strengthening ecological corridors, the Wairau Nature Network is working to create landscapes that can support kererū not just seasonally, but year-round.
Kererū feed on the fruit, leaves, buds and shoots of more than 100 native species, as well as
around 50 introduced plants. At times, they gorge on ripe fruit – occasionally becoming so
full that they fall from trees.By planting a diverse selection of the listed native trees, you can provide year-round food for kererū.
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Resilient Restoration: Water Crystals
Use of water crystals to increase plant survival in dry areas.
Watch 4min video.