Guide

Enhance at every chance

Take every chance you can to restore nature on the farm. Restore unproductive land, edges and ungrazed areas such as shelterbelts, races and around buildings. For marginal and steep eroding land, call in some extra expertise.

Woman digging a hole alongside a fence
Native New Zealand bush

Why is it important?

Large areas such as bush blocks, wetlands and fully planted waterways provide critical habitat for our native species. But small plantings also play an important role. A couple of native trees bunched together can provide food and shelter for native birds. Plantings of harakeke and muehlenbeckia provide a home for lizards, skinks, native snails and other insects.

Native trees and plants will also provide shade and windbreaks for stock. They greatly enhance the aesthetics of your property and provide screening and privacy.

Consider planting areas on the farm that are unused

  • Edges and ungrazed areas such as shelterbelts, irrigation pivot corners
  • Along races
  • Near the house, buildings and sheds
  • At the entrance of your property or along the road frontage
  • Gullies and wet areas

Make sure to select plants that thrive on their own in exposed areas, and protect them from grazing animals.

Great plants for native wildlife

Plants provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Specific plants will encourage native birds, lizards and insects. Select plants that provide ground cover for predator protection, or are source of fruit or nectar. For example:

  • Small species - shrubby tororaro, coprosma species, fern species, carex species, muehlenbeckia
  • Medium species - kawakawa, māhoe/whitey wood, rewarewa, tītoki, kōwhai
  • Larger canopy trees - kahikatea, kauri, pohutukawa, tōtara, pūriri
    Vibrant Red Pohutakawa flowers

Note on toxic native plants

Some native plants can be toxic to livestock, so should only be planted where they will not be browsed. The ripe kernel of the Karaka berry is highly toxic for dogs, cattle and sheep. Tutu is also toxic to stock if eaten. 

Learn more about the value of growing native plants on your property

The importance of predator control 

When it comes to attracting birds and wildlife on farm, predator control is just as important as the type of native plants and trees that you decide to plant. 

See SBN’s resource on weed and predator control to get started.

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Guide Ti Kouka/Cabbage Tree against blue sky
Farming, Growing and Rural Land

Care for what you've got

How to care for your native bush block or bush remnant. The level of established plants will determine the amount of work to do. Actions could include fencing, weed control, infill planting and predator control.
Guide Reflections of native bush on stream
Business and Farming, Growing and Rural Land

Waterways

DIY steps and tips to restore streams and rivers on your land. Links to great templates, guides and videos to help you on your way.
Guide Taxidermy of stoat killing native bird
Business and Farming, Growing and Rural Land

Control weeds and predators

Tips and resources for controlling weeds and predators in rural and urban areas. This will help your native planting and wildlife thrive.
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