Official Trailer: Fools & Dreamers: Regenerating a Native Forest

Fools & Dreamers is a 30-minute documentary telling the story of Hinewai Nature Reserve, on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, and its kaitiaki/manager of 30 years, botanist Hugh Wilson. We learn about the commitment of Hugh and the Maurice White Native Forest Trust to regenerate marginal, hilly farmland into native forest, using a minimal interference method that allows nature to do the work, giving life to over 1500 hectares of native forest, waterways, and the creatures that live within them.

When, in 1987, Hugh let the local community know about his plans to allow gorse to grow as a nurse canopy for self-sown native trees, the response was sceptical at best and outright angry and disparaging for the most part – one farmer stating the plan was the sort to be expected only of “fools and dreamers”. Now considered a local hero by town and country folk alike, Hugh’s home at Hinewai overlooks a valley resplendent in native forest canopy, where birds and other wildlife are abundant and 47 known waterfalls are in permanent flow.

An inspiring, charismatic personality, Hugh’s passion and enthusiasm for his life’s project come through in every sentence he speaks. A dreamer who has made his dream come true, Hugh has proven without doubt that nature knows best – and that he is no fool.

** Find out more about Hinewai Reserve **

** More about Happen Films **

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** Film credits **
Directed by Jordan Osmond & Antoinette Wilson
Written by Antoinette Wilson, Jordan Osmond & Nick Tucker
Produced by Antoinette Wilson
Cinematography by Jordan Osmond & Jason Hosking
Editing by Jordan Osmond

** Thanks! **
This film was generously funded by Quatro Trust.

** Subtitles and closed captions **
We love that so many people have translated for our films here on YouTube. If you’d like to be part of that community you can contribute by clicking the "..." below the video and selecting "Add translations" from the dropdown menu. Thanks for your help!

[Whale-of-a-time]

Hugh Wilson is an absolute legend. I have worked as a volunteer on his reserve and can say that he is one of the most inspiring people I've had the pleasure of knowing.

[JaysNest]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Lately, trees have been put on my heart. I’ve been learning about trees and all the magic they hold by just existing. Slowly I’ve morphed into a literal tree hugger. My whole family will hug trees that we see lol. These natural landscapes are important for humanity’s future and also for the wildlife.

I’m so excited to watch this 💕

[vamsiyarra]

That's a beautiful name "Fools and Dreamers" - World changes only because of them. Looking forward to the film. Want to be part of such activities.

[livingbig]

I’m so excited for this film. Can’t wait to see it. More brilliant work from you and your team.

[NightmaresRnD]

Aloha is dedication. Restoration Projects and the people who make them a reality are a blessing. May we all endeavour to have earned their work. Mahalo nui for your lima hana ❣

[simplyimpish]

We cannot live without trees! They are our lungs. Thank you💖💕🌸😘🌈

[juliep]

Really looking forward to this. My dream is to buy land and restore it. I wish with my heart others would do the same. Thank you for producing these films. Really. Thank YOU !

[ruthchisholm]

Fabulous intro article in today's The Press newspaper, Otautahi. Thanks to Hugh n crew for your cultural narrative on Horomaka Banks Peninsula. Our whanau have followed your progress from onset. Ataahua and aspiring. Huge ups for Happen Films

[Tuirapanui]

I'm so happy with all your videos and I'm really looking forward to this film! Thanks a lot for all the inspiration! Lots of love from Brasil <3

[theclumsyprepper]

I'm glad they decided not to get rid of gorse but to use to their advantage.
I love gorse, the smell, colour, the taste. I make a great vegan honey alternative using the flowers, it smells and tastes of summer days.

[Metaphysics-for-life]

Just watched the film. It was released a day or so ago. Fantastic! Better than I expected, thank you! <3

[aswathims]

Wow...beautiful and peaceful greenary video🌸🌞🌼❤️

[pohutukawa]

Not only an amazing achievement, but an inspiration to everyone!

[Nhojneirbo]

A beautiful and important quest realized. Looks like a terrific film.

[coralgallagher]

I would love to have met Hugh what a wonderful man !

[PermacultureHomestead]

I'm a Fool AND a Dreamer, hope to do something this big.

[emmastacey]

Movies like this...and all of your previous ones, really inspire my family to keep going. We have only 2 acres of land, but have already planted approx. 50 local native trees, 50 fruit and nut trees and working on food forests ATM. We even have a compost toilet and humanure system now. Each day, every little step makes a difference and the native bees, birds and other wildlife that have already returned to our piece of land is so rewarding to see. So Thankyou so much for sharing these wonderful inspiring stories through film...it has made a difference to how my family now live! You can check us out on Instagram or Facebook at @thepermaculturepantry.

[jennh]

It’s really weird to see how we strayed so far from nature and now it’s like we’re “rediscovering” that connection we have.

[CraigOverend]

These are the kinds of fools and dreamers we need to help restore watersheds.

[ametezjuralbar]

A truly noble thing to do. Thumbs up 👍👍