Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Welcome to SERN

October • WLG Gravel Pit, Kapuka South

Find a project

Do you want to learn more about ecological restoration projects in Southland? Would you like to volunteer assistance on a Southland project? Use the map to the right to find a project, or check out the larger map in the Project Directory.

Project Directory

Southland Ecological Restoration Network (SERN) is a network of Southland people “bringing back the natives”. The aim is to promote the restoration of native ecological sites in Southland.

This website features a number of local restoration projects, with contact information and photos for each project. There is also at least one field day a year to bring people involved in restoration together, to encourage and share knowledge and also celebrate all the good work going on around Southland.

SERN openly invites volunteers to approach restoration project contacts if they wish to lend a hand.

Latest News

SERN Spring Trip to Waikawa Valley

BOOK ASAP FOR LAST FEW SEATS ON THE BUS! A wonderful day out to hear about and view some of the great work happening in restoration in the Waikawa Catchment. See events section… Read more

Upcoming Events

SERN Spring Field trip - Waikawa Valley Restoration

31 October 2026

JUST A FEW SEATS LEFT - BOOK ASAP! Join us for this year's Spring Field Trip to hear about the work being undertaken in the Waikawa catchment by… Read more

The track entrance off Ruru Avenue, with a wooden sign carved by Roger Sutton noting QEII National Trust protection.

Bowmans Bush, Otatara

2022 October. A visiting wrybill. Credit: Anja Kohler

Lower Upukerora Restoration

This rare totara forest system on sand dunes is easily explored following the mown paths throughout. The large totara here is estimated to be around 300 years old.

Oreti Totara Dune Forest

© 2026 • Website by RS

Our Supporters

Invercargill City Council Environment Southland Department of Conservation Forest and Bird Southland Community Nursery
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  • Project Directory
  • Organisations
  • Events
  • News
  • About
  • Links
  • Contact