A Native Forest Farm grows Biodiversity for Food
Velskov is a native forest farm, possibly the first of its kind in New Zealand. We grow food regeneratively in a biodiverse native forest in Auckland. Forest farming is a kind of agroforestry, and we don’t cut down any trees for timber.
On 10 acres of land, we grow edible native plants amongst a thriving and growing wildlife population. Our fresh native herbs, fungi, and produce are shared with sustainable luxury hotels and restaurants locally.
The forest farm hosts private and bespoke farm visits for sustainable businesses and eco-luxury travelers supporting conservation efforts. Every farm visit helps to unlock the power of regenerative climate action: reforestation, and restoration of biodiversity.
We fight to preserve Aotearoa New Zealand's original forests and to re-establish our connection with nature via sensory activities that spread knowledge of the local environment and promote the sustainable use of its resources.
Our work is guided by the ideas driving the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and moving towards “Living Forest Economies and Prosperity for All”. (Ramona Radford).
Velskov (Danish) refers to the well-being and prosperity of a forest, as in well + forest.
A Circular System:
Come for a Visit!
We love hosting people at Velskov. We aim to have every guest sensing a new or refreshing old love for the native bush of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Companies looking for more sustainable and creative venues for strategy meetings, idea generation, and hosting clients are welcome to use our Bush Boardroom. Also, teams dream about getting out of the city office and into nature.
Eco-Luxury and regenerative travel is about unique experiences together with real people. Food that tastes of place: Rainforest Cuisine. The pristine natural environment, bespoke leisure activities, and indigenous conservation. The essence of Regenerative Travel ensures that eco-tourism gives back more to people and places than it takes.
Restore the Forest Ecosystem
You will offset your visit by planting edible native trees at Velskov. It’s hands-on and effective. And you get to monitor the progress of your trees. Other useful activities you can join are our forest mushroom pilot project, weeding and pest control.
The original ecosystem of Velskov was a Kauri, Podocarp, and Native Broadleaf ecosystem. After logging, burning, and grazing, most of the original trees and plants are missing. We are bringing them back to restore what once was a magnificent ancient wonderland.
Increase Biodiversity, Native Birds and Wildlife
The forest restoration is resulting in more and more native birds and wildlife making their home at Velskov. When the birds (and bats) come back, they bring seeds with them, resulting in an even higher level of biodiversity closer to the original ecosystem.
Make Conservation Financially Sustainable
A small part of new native plants, their fruits, and flowers will be harvested and shared with local hotels, restaurants, and food entrepreneurs to create amazing new flavours. The profits from produce sales and farm visits are re-invested into the local economy, weed and pest control, wildlife monitoring, and further reforesting.
FAQ
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Velskov - Danish, refers to well-being and prosperity/forest. We strive to increase the abundance of the forest and generate well-being for nature, guests, and our local community.
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Velskov is a native forest farm in New Zealand, possibly the first of its kind. On 10 acres of land, we grow edible native plants in a healthy, biodiverse forest amongst a thriving and growing wildlife population. Our produce is sold to hotels, restaurants, and cafes around Auckland.
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Yes, we can host individual and group visits. We have dedicated an area where you can meet, work, entertain, cook, or just immerse yourself in the forest.
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Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are actions that restore nature while simultaneously addressing societal challenges— such as unemployment or hunger. Nature-based solutions provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
The concept of NbS is rooted in climate change mitigation and adaptation, has grown in recognition over the past decade, and has been embraced as an essential framework by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which created the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions to guide practical implementation.
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