Miles & Gillian Giller
Supporters
Both Miles and Gillian grew up in the countryside, developing corresponding appreciations for the natural environment. Settling near Rangiora in 1980, the establishment of a large ‘wild’ native garden taught them much about nature’s complexities, and provided an understanding of native flora that would be reflected in their later work. Miles’ 23 year role as QEII regional representative provided the opportunity to assist numerous North Canterbury landowners in protecting residual native forest, scrub, tussock-grasslands, drylands and wetlands. This often involved the compilation of plant species lists, and the assessment of ecological values and opportunities for protection.
Gillian and Miles frequently carried out QEII fieldwork as a team, focusing also on the all-important weed and pest control required to achieve effective protection. They note that their work has only been possible due to the increasing number of landowners, particularly in the Hurunui District, who are actively protecting environmental values on private land.
They are both life members of the Canterbury Botanical Society.
