Events

Forest & Bird's Te Rere Annual Planting Day

Te Rere is Southland Forest & Bird’s major restoration project which has been going for many decades. The coastline at Waikawa is habitat for the endangered hoiho (yellow eyed penguin). As well as extensive restoration plantings, intensive predator control is also undertaken. Although the hoiho numbers have been declining, believed to be due to changing ocean conditions, it is pleasing that little blue penguins and titi breeding numbers are increasing on the mainland here. If you would like to join this year’s planting day, please contact Brian Rance by emailing [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]. Check this project out at https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/te-rere-yellow-eyed-penguin-reserve-catlins/

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/