Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Project

June • Rakatu Wetlands

Castle Downs (Dipton) Wetlands

Location:
900 Dipton Mossburn Road
Region:
Central Southland
District:
SDC
Commenced:
2015
Access:
Wetlands walkway from the road. There is a small sign on the gate. Track is unformed and there is a small stream crossing
Area (ha):
15
Contact:
Ann Irving
Email:
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Website:
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Description

The site includes a stretch of Dipton Stream and a small area of flaxland. The flaxland has a high ecological value and contains some man made pools that provide additional habitat for water fowl and aquatic invertebrates. The site is owned by Rural Women and the Dipton Landcare group is co-ordinating the restoration works. Improving access has been the first priority and there is short walking track from the road. The group has also carried out planting and weed control.

Current involvement

Rural Women. Dipton Landcare Group, Craig Pine, Walking Access NZ, Environment Southland,

Edge of the flaxland
Dipton Stream
2018 April - an attack on the weeds, assisted by volunteers from SIT and Riversdale. The SIT students are undertaking research projects within the wetland, looking at the restoration of cabbage trees and animal pest control in the area.
2018 April. The working bee at the end of the month saw more plants in the ground at the wetland. The donated seat is a great place to sit and enjoy the plantings as they become established.
Planting session, spring 2021
Ann Irving, left, leads the working bees. Note dead willows behind, poisoned last year. October 2021
Recent willow control - cut around, then sprayed with mix of metsulfuron and glyphosate. Spring 2021
DOC 200 traps are set throughout the wetland. Rats and stoats are the main catch.
Although exotic species dominate much of the area there is a good presence of native species in the understory, here prickly shield fern and hounds tongue.
Check out the interp sign at the beginning of the tracks. Early reveg plantings on the other side of the stream are showing up well now. Spring 2021.
The southern most pond with naturally occurring Carex secta around the edge and flaxland behind. Spring 2021
This spider found on Carex secta. Insects are an important part, often unrecognised, of our natural ecosystems. May 2022
Two plants that don't belong in our Southland natural areas, Coprosma robusta and Pseudopanax latex. May 2022
2024 October. Ann Irving stands beside an Olearia hectorii, a threatened species once typically found in floodplains like this wetland.
2024 October. The all important task of releasing the restoration plantings from the grass, being undertaken beneath the poisoned willows.
Project Directory

Other projects in Central Southland

  • AB Lime, Motu Ngahere
  • David Milligan Park, Dipton
  • Forest Hill Scenic Reserve
  • Heatherlea, East Limehills
  • Ivy Russell Reserve, Winton
  • Kowhai Reach, Kauana
  • Lumsden Creek Restoration
  • Sherwood Forest, Tussock Creek

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