Enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s dryland agroecosystems through the integration of multi-functional native vegetation: A case study of Ashley Dene dryland farm : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Content Partner: Lincoln University. Removing original vegetation cover for agricultural land use is the most significant cause of habitat loss for native species worldwide. Furthermore, the shade and shelter provided by this vegetation are key factors in determining livestock welfare in agricultural landscapes. This is evident on the intensively farmed Canterbury Plains in Aotearoa New Zealand, where 0.5% of the original pre-human vegetation remains, numbers of dairy cattle have increased tenfold over the last 30 years, and native bush birds are rarely seen. To address this issue, this study developed a multi-functional native plant list for use in dryland agricultural landscapes and applied it to the case study site of Ashley Dene dryland farm on the Canterbury Plains of Aotearoa New Zealand, using one of three strategies. The strategies were to increase forage availability, improve shade and shelter and restore habitat for native bush birds. These designs were then integrated into one multi-functional design for the entire case study site. The study concludes that using native trees and shrubs in dryland agricultural landscapes is an emerging trend that can increase animal welfare and restore indigenous biodiversity. Native species have mixed potential as forage species and for shade and shelter. However, they have a high potential as native bush bird habitat. It also concludes that with a paradigm shift to focus on the underlying processes in agricultural landscapes and a conscious effort to implement rewilding, landscapes can become agroecosystems where agricultural objectives of improved animal welfare and ecological objectives of restoring native bush birds can co-exist and thrive in the same space.