On this page, you’ll find links to practical information to help you get started.

• In your own backyard
• In the paddock

In your own backyard

You can experience biodiversity in your own backyard by creating a welcoming environment for wildlife.

Attract native birds
The Department of Conservation provides tips on the right trees to plant to attract native birds to your garden.

Create a backyard park
Auckland Regional Council has fact sheets on how you can create a living park in your own backyard.

Make a native habitat
Forest and Bird provides practical guides on you how you can make your backyard a native habitat.

Protect wildlife from pets
Many kiwi and other native birds are killed each year by dogs and cats. You can help protect native wildlife by looking after your pets.

In the paddock

Responsible environmental stewardship on the farm can help contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Habitat protection
The QEII National Trust provides tips and techniques for managing native ecosystems. The Trust also provides information about how you can protect your land through an open space covenant.

Pest and weed control
New Zealand Landcare Trust’s pest management database provides information to help you identify and control unwanted pests.

Stream health
Christchurch City Council’s Streamside Planting Guide contains information to help you successfully establish plants along waterways.

The Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit provides practical tools to measure the health of small rural streams.

Tree planting
Landcare Research has developed a database to help you choose the right native plant for the right location.

You can also find help with plant selection in the New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network’s planting guide.

Wetland protection
Environment Waikato provides practical fact sheets on wetland restoration and protection.

Fish and Game also provides information about wetland protection.

More help
Many councils provide information and funding to help landowners care for their land. You can find regional and local council contacts on the local government website.

For more information about funding sources, see Apply for Funding.