Full planting along waterways takes time to establish but the results are well worth the effort. This is the second in a series of articles from DairyNZ on managing waterways on farms.

A little planning goes a long way. It can help make the most of the time and resources put into any planting and fencing efforts.
Here are some suggestions for getting off to a good start – things to consider and steps to take.

Seek specialist advice: Talk to regional council staff and connect with nurseries, suppliers, consultants and contractors.

Find out what other organisations can help (e.g. QEII National Trust, NZ Landcare Trust). Explore any funding that might be available for fencing and planting (ask regional councils).

Plan ahead: Use a farm map to work out fence lines and crossings and decide on a logical order for doing the work. Set realistic timelines for completion.

Allow adequate time for site preparation (e.g. weed spraying) and plant delivery. Cost out materials, plants, labour, etc including ongoing maintenance.

Once all that is done, confirm a plan that suits the budget.
Sort consents: Find out if consents are required for any of the work – culverts or bridges, for example – and apply for them in good time.

Make a start: Get on with it. Go for steady progress – not a big push.

Count on doing maintenance. Don't underestimate the time and effort required to maintain planted areas. Prepare for plant losses in the budget and for the time necessary for replanting (in well-planned projects losses could be 10-20 per cent). Set up a regular schedule for weeding, drain clearing and replanting as needed.

Keep the momentum going: Progress at a manageable pace.
Make it an interesting change from daily activities, not just another chore. Involve farm staff in all aspects of the project so there is a sense of ownership.

If there is a lot to do on the property, do it in stages. Start with the easy and most effective stuff. As you go, you'll learn what works best for you. It will be easier to keep up with maintenance this way, too.

This article is adapted from the second in a series of nine DairyNZ Farmfacts on managing waterways on farms. They can be viewed at www.dairynz.co.nz in the Farmfacts – Environment section.