Our story
The seed of The Forest Bridge Trust was planted when founders Kevin and Gill Adshead— who reintroduced kiwi to their family farm at Glorit in 2013— discovered that for the new residents to spread their flightless wings and thrive, they would need 10,000 hectares of predator-controlled habitat. This would be a challenge in itself, but they had an even bigger dream that one day, these west coast kiwis could safely roam and eventually meet up with their cousins over in Tāwharanui Regional Park. It was clear, to make the dream a reality, a team was needed to work with farmers and other landowners and the wider community to connect the landscape through fencing and planting and to improve the habitat by controlling pests and predators.
Gill and Kevin sought out other like-minded people with similar aspirations and in 2014 a farmer-initiated environment trust, The Forest Bridge Trust (TFBT) was created. The vision and mission of the trust were developed by farmers, other landowners, and local groups working to protect and enhance the environment where they live. Since those early days it has been recognised that more specialised people and many more resources were needed to turn the dream into reality. From a largely voluntary base of a few people with a big dream, the trust is now a substantially resourced and effective organisation actively achieving the vision of connecting, protecting and enhancing the landscape from coast to coast.
In the news
Community Conservation Celebration – Govan Wilson Road November 2023
Community Conservation Celebration Nov 2023Govan Wilson Road We recently hosted our annual Govan Wilson Road thank-you afternoon tea. With the Tamahunga kiwi and their two new chicks nearby, this...
Exploring Nature’s Classroom – Marlborough Primary
Exploring Nature's Classroom:Marlborough Primary's Conservation Adventure at CUE Haven We recently enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to participate in a cultural and conservation learning experience...
Spring Reboot – November 2023
A Rainy Day Celebration of Community and ConservationThe Spring Reboot On Sunday, November 19th, despite the heavy downpours, spirits were high inside the Matakana Hall as we gathered for the Spring...
Women of The Forest Bridge Trust – Junction Magazine Article
Women of The Forest Bridge TrustJunction Magazine Article Locally, women are answering the call to engage in restoration initiatives and community projects. The Forest Bridge Trust is no exception....
Our priority – building a Bridge
Our focus is working to achieve a predator controlled corridor of land from west to east. This is an area of 54,000 hectares connecting the existing wildlife sanctuaries at Mataia Restoration Project in the west to Tawharanui Regional Park in the east.

How we will build the Bridge
Our activities connect the landscape and people in the North Rodney region through focused activities:
Community Liaison
Ecology
Predator Control
Fencing and Riparian Planting
Education
We welcome your help
Your Support makes a big difference
getting involved