Events

Chilean Flame Creeper control at Bowmans Bush

The annual attack on the persistant weed, Chilean Flame Creeper (CFC) is lead by the Otatara Landcare Group. Good progress has been made over the decade that this one evening a year of pulling the CFC off the native plants has been undertaken, showing that persistence in physical removal can pay dividends. The reduction in light gaps as the natives form a more dense canopy is the other factor that reduces the pest plant’s establishment. To join this year’s working bee, come along to Bowmans Bush on Ruru Ave from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. For further information contact OLG member, Randall Milne, 213 0851.

KCC Explore Waituna Wetlands

KCC Family trip to Waituna Lagoon – eels and insect eating plants! – Meet at Waghorn Road Bridge at 10.30am to pull up the eel net and hopefully see live eels and learn all about them! Picnic lunch at Waituna shelter and onto the Waituna track for as long as you want (full track takes 1.5 hours, 4.5kms). Leaders Gay Munro (03 239 5827) and Bronwyn KCC (03 213 0017)

Mid Dome Wilding Pine Day

The twice yearly wilding pine control volunteer day is run by the Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust and Environment Southland (See more under SERN Project Directory). Volunteers need to be reasonably fit and wear suitable footwear and clothing for a day in the mountains. Lunch will be provided.

Registrations essential as spaces are limited – contact Randall Milne on 0800 76 88 45 or email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

SERN Spring Restoration Bus Trip Saturday 7 November 2015

SERN/Biodiversity Southland Spring Field Day - 7 November 2015

The first stop was a small fragment of the original Heddon Bush, which stands in a paddock, an island of biodiversity. The enthusiasm of the Heddon Bush School pupils, parents and principal for their restoration project at ‘The Donut’, as they have nicknamed this small remnant, was great to see. Their ongoing dedication to the project is ensuring a life for this remnant which would have struggled to survive long term without their input. Annual planting and maintenance of these by the school is returning an understory, which includes threatened plant species.

The Solid Energy planting project was interesting to see - getting 39,000 plants in the ground is a massive effort and makes for a significant restoration area around the pond, created by an open cast coal mine there. John McCorkindale described the work undertaken on Solid Energy’s behalf to restore this area, a condition of resource consent for the mine. Arne Cleland of Pukerau Nursery described the work he undertook in propagating the plants to go in here from seed from nearby natural areas, otherwise known as ecosourcing. This is important for two reasons - to retain local genetic diversity and to establish plants hardy enough for the local conditions.

With our lunchstop at the Otautau Arboretum, Sandra McKenzie, chair of the Trust who oversees this once Forest Service display area, told us about the history of the area. She described the wetland area that the Trust has planted out in recent years, with help from the Southland Community Nursery.

At Ermedale, dairy farmer David Diprose shared his philosophies and thoughts on managing the land well. The different wetland developments showed the variety of ways you can improve water quality and associated ecosystems. His appreciation for the natural environment with the fencing off of the forest remnants in gullies and along the Pourakino River, including the old oxbow, showed the good land stewardship that sees our environment in a better place. The other thing that shone through was his willingness to work with other parties to get the best outcome. David has also been a driver of the setting up of a Pourakino Catchment Care Group. Speakers at Diproses included David Moate (ES Land Sustainability Officer), Zane Moss (Fish & Game), Janet Gregory (Landcare Trust), Chris Mangion (CPM Environmental) and Jesse Bythell (QEII National Trust).

Thanks to Environment Southland for sponsoring the bus for the day.

Weedbusters Workshop

If you’re dealing with weeds in your restoration project (and who isn’t?) then come along to the Southland Community Nursery to find out the latest techniques to help you in the weed battle. Topics covered: Weedbusters and what it can do for you. How to bust weeds and how you could do more. What the experts know that may help you. Available funding. To be held at Southland Community Nursery, 185 Grant Road, Otatara, from 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday 17th May. Parking at 183 Grant Road. RSVP by Friday 15 May to Randall Milne on 0800 76 88 45 or email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]