Twin River Dairy Farm.
Graham and Adele Wells of Twin River Dairy Farm are enthusiastic about enhancing and protecting the Hororata River and to date have completed four separate stages of planting with assistance from CPWL’s Environmental Management Fund (EMF) and Te Ara Kakriki (TAK) Greenway Canterbury Trust.
Planting has been carried out on a 2ha wetland and riparian area that borders the Hororata River at its confluence with the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River. The site was retired from pasture grazing, had little plant diversity, and was heavily dominated by exotics.
This has been a significant project with the resulting quantity and quality of water in the springs, demonstrating the impact that projects like this can have on environmental outcomes. This work further enhances previous plantings undertaken along the Hororata River.
Dan Cameron in the role of planting advisor front footed the restoration project. Graham and Adele are very grateful for the planting assistance from the Kids Discovery Plant Out project through Lou Drage at Te Ara Kakariki and Rolleston Christian School, plus the super bunch of Urban Young Farmers.
Impact.
Short term
- 1300 plants planted (approximately)
- Crystal clear spring water
- Natural habitats are restored and thriving
Longer term
- Leveraged ecosystem services to improve surface water quality, e.g., natural filtration of contaminants, de-nitrification, and soil stabilisation
- Kōwaro Canterbury mudfish and native birds thriving including species such as fantails and grey warblers
- Sustainable seed source for plant species endemic to the Canterbury Plains
- Increased mahinga kai values
