Swapping pines for natives

More than 500 new native plants are in the ground on Petra and Dirk Dietsche’s property near Drummond in Southland after a community planting day yesterday.

Included among the more than 30 people who pitched in with the planting, organised by the Waimatuku Catchment Group, were farm staff, neighbours, Invercargill residents and children including Olivia Goodwright (10), from Drummond (pictured).

The planting was on a hillside that previously grew pine trees which slopes down into a series of three bunds helping filter water as it makes its way to the Waimatuku Stream.

Thriving Southland and Environment Southland were also involved in organising the day.