Analysis of water quality monitoring at a constructed wetland in Ashley Clinton has confirmed what many had hoped: constructed wetlands can make a significant difference to water quality while delivering wider environmental benefits. Funded by Fonterra and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) in partnership with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Tukipo Catchment Care Group (TCCG), the 1.6 hectare White Wetland aims to improve water quality and biodiversity...

In this issue, discover how local farmers have benefited from hands-on poplar planting and native planting workshops, and get an update on the new Land for Life demonstration site showcasing practical solutions to erosion and sediment challenges.

Over the past eight years, Tom and Anna Tennent have reshaped parts of their Ashley Clinton farm, planting around 20,000 native trees and plants and fencing 9 kilometres of waterways. What began as a single wetland project has evolved into a practical, long-term approach that strengthens both the farm and its surrounding environment. “We started out fencing and planting a wetland we created with some help from the Game Bird Habitat Trust,” says Tom. “It looked great, we could see the...