New Zealanders looking for information on any aspect of planting and managing trees in a working landscape will be able to access a free online database that will contain list the most credible information resources available. Source: Forestry Expo NZ
The Sustainable Farming Fund, Scion Research and the NZ Farm Forestry Association are funding the project, with support from Rural Women NZ and the NZ Institute of Forestry. It aims to establish a database of the best information resources about trees on farms.
This database will range from practical aspects of growing and harvesting trees through to managerial information such as budgeting and forest ownership options.
“Since the 1950s, there have been many initiatives aimed at encouraging landowners to plant more trees, and manage existing plantations and native bush for all sorts of reasons – timber, shade, shelter, or fodder, control of soil erosion, conservation, carbon storage, or amenity benefits,” said project manager Harriet Palmer.
“At the same time there has been a large amount of research centred around small-scale forestry, resulting in a plethora of information resources and techtransfer activity. Much of the experience and information generated over the years is very high calibre and still relevant. But the resources are scattered and sometimes hard to find.”
Landowners involved in or thinking about tree ventures, and organisations whose role includes advising farmers on integrated land management strategies, will benefit from the planned database.
As well as unlocking existing resources and research to wider access, the project will help identify information gaps. It will also provide information on how landowners prefer to learn about planting and managing trees.
Farmers and other landowners are being asked to participate in an online survey to ascertain their specific information and training needs related to trees on farms, and also their preferred methods for receiving new information – formally and informally.
To participate in the survey go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Trees_on_Farms
