In the heart of the Adelaide Hills, the quiet banks of the waterway corridor running through Howard Vineyard have been steadily transformed, one native plant at a time.
But it’s not just vineyard staff or environmental professionals behind the change. The real driving force has been a mix of everyday people: families, older locals, volunteers, and visitors who’ve come together with a shared goal to give back to the land.
Howard Vineyard’s native planting initiative, part of their ongoing work with the Hills Biodiversity Program, has evolved into more than just an environmental project.
It’s become a truly community-driven effort. Since 2020, more than 4,500 native trees and shrubs have been planted across the Howard and Beautiful Valley vineyard sites, with everyone from schoolkids to retirees getting involved.
The Hills Biodiversity Program teams experienced bush carers with landholders to help restore native vegetation and remove invasive species.
What makes Howard Vineyard stand out is their commitment to collaboration and a big-picture mindset.
“When most agricultural businesses hear ‘invest in sustainability,’ they see dollar signs with no return for decades,” says Tom Northcott, owner and winemaker at Howard Vineyard.
“But we’ve always believed in paying it forward. Look after the soil, and the soil will look after you.”
Tom and his team have adopted a regenerative approach to vineyard management. It has improved water use efficiency, reduced reliance on synthetic inputs, and ultimately lifted the quality of their grapes and wines.
It’s a key part of their wider sustainability strategy.
The revegetation effort runs alongside Howard Vineyard’s expansion plans. Over the past three years, they’ve added 15,000 new vines annually while also working towards environmental gains.
“We’ve also rolled out 50% new drip tube through the vineyards,” Tom adds. “That’s helped us get ahead of rising water costs.”
Partnerships have played a big role in making it all possible. “The District of Mount Barker Council has been incredibly progressive,” Tom explains. “They’ve supported agricultural businesses like ours along the Bald Hills Road creek corridor, helping ensure water from our property ends up in the Laratinga Wetlands, where 5% is treated and returned to us for vineyard use.”
Thanks to consistent effort, plenty of teamwork and a real sense of purpose, Howard Vineyard and its extended community are showing what sustainability can look like when everyone gets involved. It’s not just about wine. It’s about the legacy left behind.
“As a proud Foundation Member of the Hills Biodiversity Program, we’re all in when it comes to looking after the natural beauty of the Adelaide Hills.”
Howard Vineyard got involved five years ago, starting with the removal of foreign plant species along the property’s watercourse.
Today, through their continued partnership with the Hills Biodiversity Program, they’re helping protect native species and support the long-term health of the region’s environment.
To find out how you can sign up to be a volunteer visit the Hills Biodiversity Program website here.
WHAT: Howard Vineyard
WHERE: 53 Bald Hills Rd, Nairne
MORE INFO: howardvineyard.com
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