Events

Wildlife celebration event in the Catlins

Gore's Lower Hamilton Park / Waikaka Walkway Restoration Planting

Join GDC for this planting working bee, in the morning between 9.30 and 11.30 and in the afternoon 1.00 and 3.00pm. This whole initiative to restore what was the Gore Landfill site, was initiated by Margaret & Don Lamont, long term Forest & Bird members in the early 2000’s. Need to wear sturdy footwear, take a rain- & wind- proof jacket, a spade, hammer to help with hammering in stakes for protectors and gloves. If it is too miserable eg windy or wet, the day will be cancelled. For more information contact Keith McRobie, Parks and Recreation Manager, 021 396 093. Check this project out at https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/gore-native-forest-restoration/

SERN Autumn Field Day - Bushy Point Explored

This year’s Autumn Field Day will explore both the DOC Bushy Point Reserve, where the Otatara Landcare Group have been leading restoration work (planting and pest control) for over 20 years, along with the Rance’s restoration project, where a number of threatened species have been planted.

Programme:

1.00pm. Meet at Bryson Road Entrance (just past 6 Bryson Road) and go through as a group.

Introduction and Overview of project.

1.30pm Walk through DOC’s Bushy Point Reserve.

Discussion points on pest control, estuary birds and wetland development. Follow the progress from recent plantings to 20 year old plantings.

2.45pm Move in to Rance’s Forest Restoration area. Experience old growth forest and see the possibility of long term commitment to restoration work. Learn about some of our Southland threatened plant species.

3.30pm Afternoon tea at the Southland Community Nursery Education Centre.

(Rides back to collect cars will be organised.)

Check out both these restoration projects at https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/bushy-point-olg-restoration-project-otatara/ and https://www.southlandcommunitynursery.org.nz/

If you are going to join us, or have any enquiries, please contact Chris at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content].

Castledowns Wetland Working Bee

Ann Irving reports on this Rural Women restoration project - There has been a lot of activity in the wetland lately with a new track, trees poisoned, track and spots sprayed, and traps checked. We would love to have more people to help with some of the planting, or general maintenance on the 23 April. Come when you are able, but 1.30 if you have not been before and we can share some of the highlights of the area. Bring afternoon tea. All Welcome. For more information contact Ann on 027 656 9319. Check out this project at https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/castle-downs-dipton-wetlands/

Weed ID Workshop at Southland Community Nursery

To be held at Southland Community Nursery Education Centre, 185 Grant Rd, from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

Calling all green-thumbed locals – are you looking to brush up on your weed identification skills? Environment Southland, together with Otatara Landcare Group and the Southland Community Nursery, are holding a Weed ID Workshop to help Southland’s stunning native trees and plants to flourish.

Biosecurity officers Rachel and Walter will be on hand to discuss any weed issues and challenges. They will also have a display of specific weed samples that they regularly control for Southland. Bring along your weeds and have them identified by the experts and learn how to control them.

Learn about Chris and Brian Rance’s restoration area, the community nursery’s wonderful native plants, how to grow them and find out about local volunteering opportunities. You’ll be able to learn about what you can grow that is native to the area. You may also get the chance to swap a weed for a local native plant seedling!

Check it out on Environment Southland’s Facebook page.