Biodiversity for Sustainable Grazing
F4. Hoopman Family Trust, 1571 Oeo Rd, RD 29, Awatuna · Free
Take a walk around the farm and discover the journey towards more sustainable farming practices. Explore the move to mixed pasture species and liquid fertiliser, and learn how riparian planting, 32 hectares of protected habitat, and the conservation of the rare herb Gratiola concinna are helping to increase biodiversity. See how solar energy is used to pump water and hear about ongoing water quality monitoring. Weather permitting, take part in a hands-on stream activity, searching for small aquatic invertebrates that reveal the health of the waterway, and visit a homemade fish passage. Bring your own water bottle if you'd like to sample the farm's water. The tour also features a unique electric farm vehicle with practical EV conversion tips and a take-home handout. Finish with a cuppa while exploring the vegetable garden, orchard, worm farm and meeting "the girls"—the farm's chickens.
Dates
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 2pm–3.30pm
- Saturday, 14 November 2026, 2pm–3.30pm