Workshops on backyard poultry, soil wellbeing, food growing and making yummy treats were on the menu for the South Coast Environment Society’s 3rd Annual Bountiful Backyards Workshop Weekend in October 2025.
Attendees came from across Southland, from Winton to Te Anau, and even as far as Palmerston to pick up helpful tips, get some inspiration and make connections with others looking to increase their resilience and boost their family’s wellbeing with homegrown fresh produce. Those who may have struggled with the cost of transport were offered a cheap seat in a minivan provided for the event.
The kids loved getting their hands sticky making healthy, delicious Bliss Balls with Evita.
Everyone who attended the weekend went home happy, and all said they would be doing something differently or trying something new as a result of coming along. Many also took home seeds, plants or informative booklets to help them get a head-start in their gardens. Kids explored the natural world and made instant bucket gardens and delicious, healthy bliss balls to take home and share with family.
The South Coast Environment Society vision is...
"A connected and flourishing Southland where there are leaders, resources, systems and examples available to assist and support people and communities to adopt resilient lifestyles and care for and about their environment."
Much of our work is educational, with seasonal celebrations including the Heritage Harvest Festival, which has been going for 15 years, and our more recent Bountiful Backyards Workshop Weekend (three years running).
Workshop attendees explored soil wellbeing in the Aparima College community garden.
Regular workshops throughout the year offer Southlanders opportunities to upskill, particularly around home and community food production, which we see as critical to resilience and wellbeing. Caring for ourselves is an essential step towards caring for others and for the wider environment.
Other activities run by South Coast Environment Society include:
The Open Orchard project, which has seen thousands of fruit trees planted throughout Southland, including dozens of school and community orchards.
The Southland Seed Savers Network, which is increasing the availability of locally-grown vegetable seeds.
The Longwood Loop, a mobile farmers market and rural rejuvenation project.
The promotion of Forest Gardens as a way to support biodiversity and other environmental outcomes while producing food in low-maintenance systems.
A community composting project ‘Completely Compost’ helps people reduce waste at home while creating a nutrient-rich addition to their gardens.
People and plants - a wonderful combination!
We are super grateful to support from our community funders, particularly The Jenkins Foundation, for supporting the 2025 Bountiful Backyards Workshop Weekend and enabling us to offer affordable tickets and subsidised travel.