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1232 days ago

Microforestry: What is it, benefits to the climate and beyond, and how to establish your own microforest.

Cally Stockdale from Nelson Tasman Climate Forum

NTCF's Supporting Nature & Storing Carbon group invites you to learn about the Nelson Whakatu Biochar Microforest, believed to be the first biochar microforest in New Zealand. It's modelled on methods developed by Prof Akira Miyawaki in Japan.

DATE: Sunday, 25th July at 10am
VENUE: 5 Francois Way/Heights, Enner Glynn, Nelson
HOST: Colin Davis
TOPIC: Microforestry: What is it, benefits to the climate and beyond, and how to establish your own microforest.

By planting large numbers of mixed native tree species in a small area (minimum 30 sq metres) the theory is that growth rate is enhanced along with carbon sequestration which is claimed to be 30 times that of a plantation forest.

The key feature of our forest, where we have planted almost 300 trees in 100 sq metres, has been the advance treatment of the soil to produce good drainage as well as water retention and long term sharing of soil enhancement benefits. These are supported by drilling 200+ holes in the forest area through the clay subsoil and filling the holes with biochar and compost, allowing them to interact together. We produce the biochar on site by burning wood from cut down trees and producing a high temperature to allow pyrolysis to take place. One drum of burnt timber thus produces about 25 kilos of biochar.

We planted 25 species of native trees and shrubs, appropriate to the area, on 5th April and they are already growing well.

According to the Miyawaki Method, we planted them roughly 60cms apart and must now mulch the forest to a depth of 10-11cms. We must also weed and water for 3 years as necessary, after which the forest should be completely self-supporting.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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1 hour ago

WANTED: Microsoft Excel teacher $25 per hour

Louise from Nelson South

I am doing my Real Estate license and I need to create a database using Microsoft Excel and don’t know where to start. I am happy to pay a teacher or you don’t have to be an actual teacher but someone to spend a few hours with me to show me how to use Microsoft Excel. I will pay you $30 per hour cash. Please call or text 0276025945 or email louisemarychaney1@gmail.com

5 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.7% Yes
    82.7% Complete
  • 14.8% No
    14.8% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
2093 votes