An exciting addition to the grazable shrub programme took place in October 2019. Three native tree species were planted in a trial at Jon and Fiona Sherlock's property ‘Otorohaea’, near Huntly.
Five Finger (Whauwhaupaku), Whitey Wood (Mahoe) and Broadleaf (Kapuka) were chosen because they are already known to be palatable and are well adapted to the hill country.
After a long day of work involving three generations of the Sherlock family, there were a total of 45 native trees (15 of each) and 20 Tagasaste seedlings planted inside steel tree guards. All the trees will be fenced from cattle with a single hot wire until they are ready to graze, but sheep will have full access.
This is an important development in the grazable shrubs project, with the possibility of using this planting in future research. The Sherlocks are enthusiastic about the possibilities for their farm.
Jon and helpers fixing a steel tree guard in place
The Tagasaste site
A view of the area planted with native species in threes (one of each)
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