Sustainability
We are committed to being environmentally sustainable and value our time as caretakers of this land. We are mindful of the effect we can have on our environment and natural resources and we make a conscious effort to not only make the smallest impact possible, but to enhance our natural environment for generations to come.
environmental progress
We are living by this ethos every day and it is demonstrated through the environmental progress we have made on our farm.
The Waikouaiti River that runs through the property has been fenced off completely and over 3000 native plants added to its banks. The protection of our waterways and its inhabitants such as the at-risk long fin eel / Tuna are very important to us. In 2012 we established the Mt Watkins Wetland and registered the 7ha area as a QE2 Covenant. Inhabitants of the wetland include: Grey teal, Shoveler ducks, NZ scaup, swallows, Tree frogs and kura. Additionally waterways and native bush on farm are preserved and protected.
Recently we converted sections of poor performing land that was dominated by gorse, broom and erosion damage to a carbon capturing Pinus radiata forest. These trees will contribute to NZ’s efforts in combating climate change and ensure we have a sustainable timber forest for decades to come.
Nurturing Nature
When it came to building Fallow Ridge Retreat we wanted to ensure that the products and materials we used were locally made and sustainably sourced.
Fallow Ridge was built using timber framing and locally milled NZ larch and macrocarpa. Interior furnishings and linens have been carefully selected from small NZ businesses. Local produce is celebrated in the kitchen with coffee roasted in Dunedin, fresh bread and pastries from Beanos Bakery in Waikouaiti plus honey and jam from regional artisan suppliers. Hastings based company Real World provide the natural plant based goodness in the bathroom, that’s gentle on your skin and the environment.
The Tiaki Promise
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives, and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. Here are Fallow Ridge Retreat we are following the Tiaki Promise, to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. You can play a part too whilst travelling throughout NZ.
