Events

About 25 people attended the Invercargill Estuary walk/bike ride lead by Lloyd Esler in December. The Sutton Walkway now provides one of the best points of access to the New River Estuary and lagoon. For those who do not know the history of the area it is the site of the old Invercargill landfill or tip site and for many years was a most unattractive area typical of tip sites throughout the country. The foresight of many groups and residents encouraged the City Council to take on this area and a very large restoration project was begun. Many hundreds of native plants have been planted, a loop walkway created with interpretation, including an attractive boardwalk across the lagoon. Lloyd explained the human history of the area as well as pointing out the variety of plantlife (including some attractive wild flowers). The walkway/bikeway is a good way of birdwatching - common birds seen are white faced herons, stilts, shoveller ducks, terns, spoonbills and the very occasional white heron. Migrant waders include the godwit, knot, turnstone and golden plover. Black swans are becoming more common and there is debate whether this is a good or a bad thing! We are all looking froward in anticipation to a bird hide being erected at some stage. The loop walk takes about one hour and on a calm evening such as this it is a pleasant way to spend an evening - make sure you do it again soon!

Pictures:

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