The Orauea River Catchment Group has been tackling a unique challenge—how their region’s natural mudstone landscape is impacting water quality. In this episode, I sit down with Jacqui Chamberlain, a local farmer, farm consultant, and leader of the group, to talk about their journey from identifying erosion risks to trialling solutions like poplar planting and sediment traps.

Key takeaways:

• How high-resolution environmental mapping helped pinpoint erosion hotspots.
• Why natural geology—not just land use—can be a key factor in water quality.
• Practical steps farmers are taking to reduce sediment and E. coli runoff.

Jacqui shares what’s worked, what’s next for the group, and how farmers can use this knowledge to make informed decisions on their own land.

Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are making a real difference in Southland.

To read more about Orauea River Catchment Groups project:

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/understanding-the-geology/

To read more about Environment Southland’s Hill Country Erosion Booklet, featuring Orauea:

Website: https://www.es.govt.nz/environment/land-and-soil/land-management/hill-country-erosion

Connect with us at Thriving Southland

Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw

Email: [email protected]