Just over an hour from the Untouched World Christchurch headquarters is Glenthorne Station, a 25,090 hectare sheep and cattle station nestled on the shores of Lake Coleridge.
Glenthorne, managed by Chris and Jo Johns, has been a highly valued supply chain partner for Untouched World, and the source of 90% of the merino wool we use in our collections. Glenthorne’s verdant, sprawling landscape is a mixture of high-country mountains, developed foothills, and intensive flats. It is home to some 7,000 merino sheep who roam freely across the land.
The station was settled in 1859 and Chris and Jo respect the history of the land, not just as a story but in a very practical way, through regenerative farming. “It’s all part of preserving the history and the environment that we live in,” says Jo.
Why Is Biodiversity an Important Indicator?
There is a strong symbiotic relationship between biodiversity, conservation and farming. Biodiversity encompasses native flora and fauna, significant natural areas and waterways. Active management and promotion of biodiversity values provide ecosystem services to the farm itself, and the wider community.
What Has Been Done to Improve the Biodiversity?
Starting in 2018, Chris and Jo initiated a seed collection and propagation process to add to areas of existing native bush.
Initially focusing on riparian zones along a creek, scrub species such as kanuka and manuka were planted to support bank structure and capture any nutrients before they enter the waterway. Not only that but they provide great habitat for bees and birdlife.
Further up the hill, above the creek, trees are now being planted that will create more forest habitat. This supports a range of larger birdlife and wildlife.
The seed collection has been done in conjunction with two local nurseries who take the eco-sourced seed and propagate them into seedlings that can then be transplanted back onto Glenthorne. Species planted include mountain beach, coprosma, cabbage trees, makahikatoa, manuka, kanuka, kōhūhū, tōtara and kōwhai.
The native birdlife is something that Chris and Jo are really proud to be supporting. They have seen numbers flourish with the extra habitat and protection they have provided.
Measurement & Results
The impact is measured through counting the trees planted and hectares of forest and wetlands that have been restored, as well as photo points in forested and additional planted areas.
- 266 trees planted between 2021-2023
- 270 ha mature native mountain beach forest
- 1,500 ha regenerating kanuka forest
- 150 ha of natural wetlands protected and being enhanced through planting
- 410 ha of swamps protected under covenant
- Species variety present: mountain beach, coprosma, cabbage trees, makahikatoa, manuka, kanuka, kōhūhū, tōtara, and kōwhai
A ZQRX™ Certified Farm
Being ZQRX™ certified and going through the audit process gives Glenthorne confidence and clear standards across everything they do. For us, and for our customers buying the end product, it provides assurance that the animals, the people, and the land the fibre has come from are all being looked after as well as possible.
Wool is a huge part of what Glenthorne does, and their pride in what they produce is evident. They put a great deal of effort and care into every stage of production — from how the sheep are fed through winter, to shearing intervals and animal health management. Everything is geared around producing the highest quality merino fibre they can.
