A day shaped around observing, listening, and working with the natural movement of water across sloped whenua. As the Educational Gardens at BROOMHILL Sanctuary continue to take form, this session offers a spacious, reflective field-based learning experience guided by Caro (BROOMHILL) and Olmec (Blockhill). Together, we will trace how contour, gradient, soil, and vegetation influence the way water travels, pauses, sinks, and nourishes the land. The session is held as a conversation with place—grounded, practical, and shaped by decades of lived, land-based knowledge. A chance to deepen our understanding of how thoughtful intervention can support gardens, food systems, and broader ecological resilience. What to bring: Clothing for sun, wind, or unexpected weather Outdoor shoes/boots suitable for uneven ground Notebook or sketchbook (optional) Water bottle A sense of curiosity and openness to slow observation Seasonal Context: Early summer makes water movement easy to read—where it gathers, releases, and naturally seeks pathways. These patterns guide the shaping of future contour lines, retention points, and growing spaces for the Educational Gardens. Warm soils and visible moisture gradients create ideal conditions for exploring how gentle interventions can support healthy water flow and resilient landscapes. Ways to Participate: As stewards of the collective, you are warmly invited to participate for free. BH Volunteers are welcome at a special rate of $30, and all other community participants at $60, reflecting the depth of learning and resources offered. Payment via donation link provided with registration reply. Contribution includes a shared vegan garden lunch. Refunds are not available within one week of the session. Learning Focus: Reading stormwater behaviour on slopes Creating retention pockets and growing spaces Terraces, swales & water-catchment systems Rain harvesting: tanks, piping & pumps Guiding greywater and runoff to trees and gardens Tools, hands-on demonstrations & field techniques How soil, vegetation, and contour shape water’s path Approaches to gentle land shaping for long-term ecological resilience. This collaborative session draws on Caro’s stewardship-based relationship with the seasonal cycles of the Sanctuary and Olmec’s decades of practical experience in regenerative water management, offering grounded insight for the ongoing development of the Educational Gardens. - Place-Based Facilitators: Olmec is a known educator in water-wise land shaping, food-forest systems, and regenerative water management. Olmec teaches through direct engagement with terraces, swales, and contour-focused design, bringing deep understanding of how water and whenua interact. Explore: blockhill.co.nz - Caro works through stewardship and ecological listening, tending the Sanctuary as a place of connection, learning, and regeneration. Her relationship with seasonal cycles shapes the stories and grounded wisdom she brings to the land. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BROOMHILL is a community-led initiative operating under the charitable umbrella of Future Whenua Charitable Trust (CC60024), working to regenerate land, strengthen local food systems, and benefit community wellbeing.