Events

Hui 24th August - Predator Free Southland workshop

Join us for a day of inspiration and information on the best tactics and key info for communities and volunteers looking to tackle predators and pests in their backyards and beyond!

On August 24 in Invercargill, Predator Free NZ, Predator Free Southland and Predator Free Rakiura are co-hosting a Predator Free Murihiku Regional Hui.
This free and catered event is aimed at inspiring and connecting community groups to each other, local strategy and big picture.

Whether you’re already a dab hand with baits and lures and know your way around an A220 (and wondering what’s next!), or looking for like-minded people to help you get the know-how to start, you don’t want to miss this day featuring expert speakers who will talk on key topics in predator control such as better cat management in New Zealand, Pest Free Ulva Island, conservation from a Te Ao Maori view, the latest tools and technologies, and looking at the big picture.

We’ll finish up the day with an open panel discussion where you can ask questions!

WHAT: Predator Free Murihiku Regional Hui

WHEN: 9am – 4.30pm, 24 August 2024

WHERE: Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill

Don’t miss out! Registrations are limited – and necessary!
Click on this link to find out about our guest speakers and to secure your spot: https://event-14203-00e5.lilregie.com/

We hope to see you there!

Predator Free Rakiura
Project Team

www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz

Castledowns Wetland - Working Bee

Castledowns Wetland, Dipton. Working bee on Sunday 19 May from 10 am or any time after that.

From organiser, Ann:

Hi Wetlanders,

I am hoping that the weather cooperates with us. We will be spraying more spots, checking traps and planting.

The successful establishment of trees is dependent on their release from grass and other weeds so we look forward to working on that as well.

Bring spades, warm clothes, lunch and some afternoon tea to share as well.

Meet at 100 George Street at 9am

If you are interested in coming, contact Ann, 027 656 9319

Gore Forest Restoration Project - Plantings

Lead by Gore District Council, who have been working with local schools for several years now, this year’s autumn plantings will happen mid-May. On Tuesday 14th May, St Marys School will be planting in the morning, then West Gore School in the afternoon. Also on Tuesday, Southland Forest & Bird will be doing a memorial planting of threatened plant species near the Lamont memorial seat, by the track along the Waikaka Stream. On Wednesday 15th the Gore Main School will be planting in the afternoon, and on Thursday 16th East Gore School will be planting in the morning. If you are able to come along at any time to help with these plantings, we would be pleased to have you join us. Or just come along to check out how the forest is growing! For further information email Keith McRobie, [Enable JavaScript to view protected content].

Home Creek Planting Day

NB Postponed from Thursday, 11th due to weather bomb predicted - now Monday, 15th April

Time: 10.30am start

Location: 268 Hillside-Manapouri Road, Te Anau 9679

BBQ lunch provided: If you have dietary requirements please tell Kate by April 1st

What to bring: wet weather pants & good footwear, water, warm clothes, snacks

Equipment: spade & gloves if you have one

Person in charge: Kate Brown. Please let her know if you are attending at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] .

It is anticipated lunch will be around 1 or 1.30pm. The event should be all wrapped up by 3pm.

Flyer attached. (PDF, 1.28 MB)

2024 SERN Autumn Field Day

Our Autumn field day this year began at a QEII Covenant at Waimatua, with the main focus on the replanting of a removed pine plantation with natives. The work carried out by the Irvings about 20 years ago, now looks more like a natural stand of forest; there is excellent regeneration of other species coming up under the initial reveg. species. Discussion was had about the use of (plastic) woolpacks as tree surrounds in those early days, which still remain after two decades. Carpet has also been used, and although not as solid as the woolpacks, is still present. Something to consider in future work. The site was inspiring for those in the group still in the early stages of restoration plantings.

We then moved to Kew Bush, where we heard from Friends of Kew Bush leader, Anna Harris, about the sycamore and ivy control and enjoyed over a cup of tea.

A walk through the Kew Bush track gives a totally different feel to how the bush was 20 years ago when Alan and John of the Invercargill South Lions Club started their war on holly in Kew Bush. The recent drill and fill work on sycamore has been very successful and made good progress on removing this threat from the area. This work was undertaken by contractors organised by Friends of Kew Bush after gaining a grant from Environment Southland’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). Small sycamore seedlings are being pulled regularly as they appear, to prevent the future establishment of the weed tree again. Although there is some natural regeneration in the area cleared of sycamore and blackberry on the north west side of the bush, some plantings have been put in to hurry along a dominance of natives in this spot.

A bush bash to the south took us past previous restoration plantings undertaken by Alan and John and their team. Then we came out on the south side to an area where Friends of Kew Bush have a vision of future plantings being done. We also checked out a recent patch of holly that had been successfully poisoned. A fern, Asplenium flaccidum, tucked underneath the holly, has survived the use of chemical to kill the holly above it and is doing well now.

Another great day of networking and inspiration. Thanks to all involved.