Protecting and enhancing remnant bush areas is a cornerstone of sustainable land management. In the Waipa region, Environmental Benefit Lots (EBL) provide an opportunity to protect valuable remnants of native bush while enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience.
What is an Environmental Benefit Lot?
An EBL allows landowners to protect areas of significant environmental value, such as native bush remnants, in exchange for development benefits. These areas often include beautiful, mature trees like Kahikatea, Tōtara, or Kānuka, and preserving them ensures they remain a legacy for future generations.
The Importance of Enhancement
While protecting remnant bush is vital, enhancement takes it to the next level by:
Improving Biodiversity: Adding diverse native species ensures a rich ecosystem for wildlife.
Strengthening Ecosystems: Filling gaps with complementary plants creates a more resilient forest that can better withstand environmental pressures.
Expanding the Forest: Enhancing the fringes allows the bush to grow outward, creating a larger, more effective habitat.
Our Approach to EBL Enhancement
We help landowners take their EBL projects from protection to enhancement. Here’s how:
Site Preparation: We start with essentials like spraying to control grass and weeds, ensuring a clean site for planting.
Diverse Planting: Enhancing a site means adding the right mix of trees to complement the existing bush. For example, Kānuka for the fringes, kahikatea near wetter areas, and other long-lived natives to enrich biodiversity.
Pest Control: Protecting young plants and existing bush from pests ensures the best chance for success.
The Result? A Thriving Legacy
With proper enhancement, your remnant bush can become a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem. Mature kahikatea towering in the background, complemented by young Kānuka and other native species, create a forest that will thrive for generations.
Partner with us
Whether you're managing an EBL or simply looking to enhance existing bush on your property, Restore Native is your one-stop shop for all the practical work. From site prep and planting to pest control and ongoing maintenance, we’re here to help you succeed.
