‘Need for Trees’ field day

Using poplar poles to reduce soil erosion and getting a return from marginal land with Pinus radiata will be among subjects up for discussion at a joint field day at Poroti next week.

The 'Need for Trees' field day is open to the public and is being jointly organised by the Northland Regional Council and the Mid North branch of the Farm Forestry Association.

Joe Carr, who chairs the council's Environmental Management Committee, says attendees will be able to learn more about the council's Hill Country Erosion Project for the Kaipara catchment.

Poplars planted to stabilise a slip site.

Councillor Carr, an Okaihau-based beef farmer and forest owner, says people will also be able to get hands-on experience planting poplar poles and find out how to obtain their own subsidised poplar and willow poles from council's nursery.

"They'll also get an insight into the potential return that can be made from a small Pinus radiata block."

Councillor Carr says morning tea and a light lunch will be provided by the council and for catering purposes asks those interested in attending to contact council Land Management Advisor Wayne Teal by phone (09) 470 1168 or email [email protected]

The Friday 17 June field day runs from 9.30am to 2.00pm. Attendees will meet at Mangakahia Sports Complex carpark (Mangakahia Rd) at 9.30am, then car pool to the Poroti venue.