Cookson Land Company.

Tim Cookson’s goal is to establish mixed‑species shelter and amenity trees and shrubs beneath irrigators on a newly irrigated farm within Stage 1 of the Central Plains Water Limited scheme.

These plantings replace exotic trees removed to enable irrigation. Planting will introduce shelter and provide a sustainable food source for native birds and a stepping-stone to other patches of native vegetation. This strategy ensures a greater seedling survival, while providing a living, breathing community classroom for local schools.

Impact.

Short term.

• 4800 plants planted; 1475 seedlings planted through the Central Plains Water Environmental Management Fund.
• Increase in the diversity of the landscape.
• Increases in Terrestrial fauna, such as lizards and insects.

Longer term.

• Established patch of native podocarp forest that is large enough to be functional.
• Established a functional seed source for plant species endemic to the Canterbury Plains.
• Plentiful source of food for native birds and a stepping stone through to other patches of native vegetation.
• Abundance of native bird species returning to the farm.
• Increase mahinga kai values.