H Faulkner.
Greendot.
Project partner: Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust.
The H Faulkner Greendot project in Springfield is focused on re‑establishing native forest on a corner of a working sheep farm that is no longer grazed. The planting site contributes to a growing network of nearby forest remnants, strengthening biodiversity and habitat connectivity across the landscape.
Rather than replanting pine, the landowners chose beech forest species to restore indigenous vegetation and enhance local biodiversity values. In total, 494 native plants were planted as part of the project, creating the foundations for long‑term native forest regeneration.
The project was supported by the Central Plains Water Environmental Management Fund (EMF), which contributed funding for the restoration plan and a volunteer planting day, led by Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust (TAK).
Monitoring showed strong establishment results, with no plant losses recorded. Most plants are growing well, with only minimal frost damage observed on a small number of olearia. Early outcomes indicate the site is on track to develop into a resilient native forest patch that will add lasting ecological value to the surrounding area.
