News

The Battle with the Weeds at Kew Bush

The job of removing exotic plants from Kew Bush has been going on for over 20 years. In the early stages holly was threatening to dominate much of the area, having spread from early holly hedges planted around the hospital grounds. Other species planted in those early days were sycamore and ivy, which again have been attacked for a number of years. Over the last couple of seasons the work has focused on other pest plants also found there, often the result of dumping of garden rubbish - montbretia and aluminium weed, or bird spread - chilean flame creeper, barberry and blackberry. The battle with weeds is an ongoing one, however congrats to the team at Kew Bush who have made a great effort to improve the health of this wonderful forest remnant on the Southland Hospital grounds. Check out the Friends of Kew Bush Facebook page and join in the good work here.

This area cleared of weeds in early September will be planted out with natives in the autumn.

Posted on: Sunday, 1 October 2023

SERN Spring Field Trip - Central Southland Meander

Following on from last years wonderful Fiordland Focus weekend, this year’s SERN field day will be a bus trip to Central Southland to visit two riparian restoration projects on Saturday 11th November . On the Cowie farm at East Limehills, John started work on planting along the Makarewa Stream several decades ago. He has introduced a number of threatened plant species so often missing from our riversides these days. After lunch and talks at the Otapiri Hall, we’ll carry on north to the well known Kowhai Reach to hear about exciting plans for major restoration work planned for there. Check out under Events for further details and how to register for this trip.

Posted on: Tuesday, 22 August 2023

Looking for funding for a community project?

Come along to PIACT (135 Bowmont Street) on Saturday 12 August - 1-3pm and meet your local funders.

South Alive is holding a workshop this weekend, offering a chance to hear from and talk to our key local funding bodies – see info below. Here is the link to the Facebook event page

There will be a brief presentation from each funder at the start followed by opportunities to have 1 to 1 conversations about your project or idea with funders.

We have representatives attending from:

- Active Southland

- ILT

- ILT Foundation

- Department of Internal Affairs

- Aotearoa Gaming Trust

- Community Trust South

- Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation

- Invercargill City Council

Posted on: Wednesday, 9 August 2023

ICC's Metcalf Reserve Plantings by St Johns School

On a fabulous frosty morning in June, about 50 people from the St. John’s Girls’ School community enthusiastically planted around 150 native plants at Metcalf Bush Reserve. The students, aged between five and eight, are learning about the ecological relationships between trees and birds. Staff introduced the various plants and their common and te reo Māori names and some of the ecological functions and cultural uses. The planting will strengthen the ecological corridor between Metcalf Bush and the adjoining Seaward Bush just east of Invercargill.

Many will know Seaward Bush Reserve on Mason Rd for it’s lovely walking track, however ICC’s other property on the north side of the road, Metcalf Reserve, is an equally special forest remnant, protected in perpetuity under a QEII National Trust Open Space Covenant.

St John's Girls' School students celebrating completing a planting event at Metcalf Bush

Posted on: Friday, 28 July 2023

Hedgehope School Helps Sherwood Forest

The Hedgehope School connection with Sherwood Forest at Tussock Creek goes back several decades to the time when Derek and Pat Turnbull owned the property. These days it is an integral part of the Enviroschool’s learning programme with visits there every fortnight. The pupils are involved in learning about the flora and fauna that live in this special place, along with undertaking predator control. On one of the school’s recent outings there was much excitement when they discovered a ferret killed in one of their DOC 200 traps. The students decided to make videos, involving all of the school, telling their learning stories from Sherwood Forest, so the experience is multifaceted. The photos below are taken from their Sherwood Sharp youtube programme. Amazing work, Hedgehope School!