The Whanganui Region Catchment Collective, in partnership with Horizons Regional Council, is trialling practical hill country erosion solutions on steep, erosion-prone land along the Ōhura River. Hosted by Ross and Marie Perry, the project showcases a range of planting techniques on a 2-hectare hillside where papa rock, spring activity, and active erosion make farm access and sediment loss major concerns.

The site was divided into five zones to trial different stabilisation strategies, including:

• Natural reversion and manuka planting in steep, fragile zones
• Spaced poplar pole planting where grazing can continue
• Potential for a native tree planting using Verdantia’s technology
• Willow pole planting to protect a key access track along the eroding riverbend

Planting and pest control were completed in August 2024, with fencing and ongoing monitoring in place. The project also considers future ETS potential and will inform best-practice guidance for stabilising similar landscapes across the catchment.