Environment Enhancement Funding announced

North Canterbury sheep and beef farmers Max and Lorna Winskill will receive $3600 from Environment Canterbury’s Environment Enhancement Fund to protect 15ha of regenerating bush on their property near Cheviot. This bush on their 800ha farm is one of the few remaining examples of original coastal bush in Canterbury. It contains totara and matai, and Max Winskill says it is regenerating strongly. The Winskills have a history of protecting bush remnants on the farm, including a gift of 38ha to the Department of Conservation previously, and another block protected by QEII covenant. Max Winskill says there's no question they are fond of the bush. "It's nice to see it in the gullies, there was never any sense in removing it.''

This year Environment Canterbury’s Environment Enhancement Fund awarded $150,000 to 57 projects, protecting or enhancing Canterbury’s native biodiversity across the region. Of these projects, 18 will enhance 357ha of native bush, 28 will protect or improve 35km of stream, 10 projects cover 41ha of wetland and one project centring on an area of coastal lagoon.

The Environment Enhancement Fund provides grants for 50 percent or more of a project’s material cost. If you are interested in learning more about how you can enhance biodiversity in your local area and information about the Fund please contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 EC INFO.