Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Project

June • Rakatu Wetlands

O'Neill's Bush, Mataura Floodplain

Location:
Titiroa
Region:
Eastern Southland
District:
SDC
Commenced:
2000
Access:
Open
Area (ha):
4
Contact:
Ali Meade
Email:
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Description

Largely a remnant lowland podocarp forest dominated by Totara, Kahikatea & Miro trees surrounded by diverse range of indigenous vegetation which includes Manuka, Tī Kōuka (Cabbage Tree), Narrow-leaf Mahoe & Patē (Seven Finger). Restoration planting around the edges along with pest plant control is slowly enhancing these valuable ecosystems. Possum, mustelid and rat control is ongoing. Tui, Korimako (Bellbird), Kererū, Pīwakawaka (Fantail) & Tīrairaka pango (Black Fantail) are regularly sighted. Public access with good parking, a nice, easy track and interpretation signage.

Historic involvement

Gorge Road School, Tokanui School and Waimahaka School, Southland Community Nursery

Current involvement

Environment Southland, QEII.

NZERN Trip Nov 2007.
By 2008 the school's restoration plantings are getting well established.
Anna, Gorge Road School,planting a seedling back in to O'Neill's Bush.1.
Tokanui School pupils potting seedlings gathered off the track for planting back in to O'Neills Bush once they're bigger.
ES Biosecurity Officer Randall Milne next to trial Chilean flame creeper control with metsulfuron base spray.
Successful holly control with excellent natural regeneration around the now dead holly.
Two of the resident black fantails having a rest
2020 SERN spring field trip. Mark Oster, Environment Southland, talks about recent revegetation plantings. He expresses his concern about all the plastic ending up in the environment with tree surrounds.
Cardboard alternatives for tree protection are now coming on the market and will be much more environmentally friendly.
Project Directory

Other projects in Eastern Southland

  • Beggs Bush Restoration
  • Catlins , Hokonui Runanga
  • Curio Bay Restoration
  • Gore Native Forest Restoration
  • Haumuri (Croydon Bush) – Volunteer Trapping Programme
  • Manuka Mire, Mokotua
  • Te Rere Yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve, Catlins
  • Waikawa Community Nursery
  • Waipapa Point Coastal Restoration Project
  • WLG Gravel Pit, Waituna Wetlands
  • Wyndham Wildlife Refuge

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Our Supporters

Invercargill City Council Environment Southland Department of Conservation Forest and Bird Southland Community Nursery
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