I posted on this story in the BNNZ FB page last month and it continues to get picked up by media. Its a great story with some biochar sprinkled in the forest roots and the article…

“These native trees were planted only 60cm apart – rather than the generally recommended 3-6m apart – into 200 drilled holes filled with biochar. (Luckily, AJ had already developed a backyard system for making biochar, a charcoal produced from plant matter that is believed to improve soil health and moisture, raise soil pH and sequester carbon.)

“The transformation was astonishing,” Colin says. “Mixing species and planting densely mimics nature and allows them to support each other, growing three to four times faster.”“

“Colin’s vision extends beyond Nelson. He and his wife, Faridah, were recently invited to speak at the Dunedin City Council’s volunteer appreciation event. Their trip was funded by the Nelson Whakatū Muslim Association. The other speakers were Dennis Enright (New Zealand Biochar Ltd), Maureen Howard (host of Rewilding in Action), and John Brenkley (DCC Parks & Recreation Planning Manager).“

Anyone in the Nelson area know Colin & AJ? BNNZ should try to connect…