Protecting and enhancing existing biodiversity should be the first priority for farmers when considering areas of natural value, a visiting botany professor told people at a Titiroa Catchment Group field-day on May 13. 

More than 30 people from throughout Southland got together at Kristy and Logan Simpson’s farm, near Tokanui, to hear from recently retired Canterbury University professor David Norton.

A leading biodiversity expert, Norton took those attending through an informative presentation around identifying, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, then led an exploration of local bush blocks, including Beggs Bush.

Thriving Southland catchment coordinator Sandra Campbell said the field-day was a great opportunity for people to learn what biodiversity really means and “what we have in our catchment”. 

A woolshed presentation by retired professor David Norton. Photo: Supplied

“David is a pretty big advocate for farmers looking after biodiversity on farms. They know the land and are the best equipped to look after it.”

The key message was to first and foremost look after existing biodiversity on properties, she said.

Farmers were encouraged to take photos of areas of native bush on their farms and over time check photos to look for changes.

Other areas discussed included pest control, funding, and a bit of “botany 101” around prominent native species in the area, Campbell said.

There was already a lot of work going on in the district and all the people in the room were pretty passionate about it, she said.

“It’s great to hear farmers talk about biodiversity management as part of their routine farm management.”

The Titiroa Catchment Group are planning more events during the year, including a trap building session, which kids will be able to get involved in, she said.

The Environment Southland biodiversity and land sustainability teams were also on hand to talk about funding support opportunities and local biodiversity projects.

Norton has taught and researched the ecology and conservation of New Zealand's native biodiversity for over 35 years.

Thriving Southland is a community-led group with a vision to create a prosperous Southland, healthy people, healthy environment from the mountains to the sea. Southland has more than 30 Catchment Groups covering over 85% of the Southland region.