Contact Us

You are very welcome to visit Earthlore.

Our physical address is:
129 Hina HIna Road,
Owaka,
South Otago,
NEW ZEALAND.

phone: +64 03 415 8455
cell: 027 385 3182
email:

About Us

Following our dream, Janine and I moved from the city to a ten acre block in the Catlins in 2006. Inspired by the principles of Permaculture, we set about planning the "evolution of Earthlore".

We donate 10% of our "PLANT A TREE" profit to outside environmental projects.

Gordon and Janine.

As our first step on the path to eco-responsibility we are providing an opportunity for individuals and businesses to improve their ecological footprint by sponsoring the planting of native trees in our conservation habitat/carbon sink area.

Within this five acre conservation habitat, we are planting a diverse array of native trees and plants (some of which are rare or endangered) in order to create ecosystems to aid the survival of native insects, birds and fungi, whilst at the same time improving the soil and storing carbon for up to 2000 years into the future.

Making charcoal in our purpose built kiln.

To maximise carbon sequestration (storing carbon in the soil to offset Earthlore’s carbon emissions) we are continually making and adding charcoal to the topsoil to help nature return the Earth to its natural order. Click here to see an explanation of the carbon cycle.

A part of the conservation habitat.

An Orbweb Spider on a variegated Pittosporum.

Anyone improving their ecological footprint at Earthlore, will also contribute to the conservation of native flora and fauna.

How Shall The Evolution Of Earthlore Unfurl?

In three to five years - when the bush is more established - purpose built hides will offer the opportunity to enjoy a picnic in the midst of an emerging rain forest - no matter what the weather.

We shall offer "Introduction to Insects" tours and we will have built "BUG CITY" - a fun, educational display, designed to showcase Inspector Insector and his efforts to conserve insects.

Click here to learn why insects are so important!

See our blog for reports by Inspector Insector and to find out how to download his case files so you can help him unravel strange bug mysteries.

On the Back Half of the Property a Food Forest is Evolving.

Here we are emulating the conditions of a forest edge ecosystem with its layers of trees, vines, bushes and herbs. Inspired by the principles of permaculture we are establishing a sustainable environment in which all the plants are edible, creating an area we will never have to weed again!

Cardboard boxes being used as mulch in a section of the food forest.

span style="color: red">Click here to learn about forest edge systems.

Earthlore is all about providing opportunities for people to see sustainable practices in action. We are hands on – doing all we can to reconnect people to the living world. Because of this, Earthlore is continually evolving, so come and see us. You never know what you might discover.

Or....

Sponsor a tree and help us.

Ancient Totara growing in the back paddock.

Native forest remnant in the revegetation/carbon sink area.

One year old native Manuka tree in flower.