From farmland to forest
A master conservationist passes along his knowledge.
In episode 1, Better Ancestors goes to Banks Peninsula to meet Hugh Wilson, the kaitiaki (manager) of Hinewai Reserve. For 30 years, Hugh has overseen the regeneration of native flora at Hinewai and the transformation of the landscape from farmland to forest. This episode explores the importance of biodiversity and carbon sequestration, and shows how the work Hugh has done has provided a blueprint for others who wish to become involved. In this episode we also meet Warren Begley, who is using the groundwork Hugh has provided to help oversee the initial stages of regeneration on several other plots of land in Banks Peninsula.