Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Project

June • Rakatu Wetlands

WLG Gravel Pit, Waituna Wetlands

Location:
Corner of Waituna Lagoon Rd and Hansen Rd, Kapuka South
Region:
Eastern Southland
District:
SDC
Commenced:
2009
Access:
Open
Area (ha):
1.5
Contact:
Gay Munro
Phone:
03 239 5827
Email:
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Description

Restoration of a gravel pit to a wetland, with flaxland and shrubland habitat surrounding. Central area of open water with rushes and Carex providing waterbird and fish habitat. The Waituna Landcare Group is leading the project, with assistance from DOC Community Conservation Fund gained in 2009.

Historic involvement

NZ Conservation Volunteers, ES/Honda Tree Fund, Gorge Road School Waituna Ambassadors.

Current involvement

Waituna Landcare Group, DOC.

Central area of roadside dumpings. August 2010.
South boundary prepared for fencing.
Local volunteer, Alex, and Sally, DOC, above the south bank plantings.
Fonterra Conservation Volunteers plant Coprosma propinqua.
View from lookout across Polly's Pond. March 2011.
WLG member's Ron and Murray work on the fish pass.
Weed control team - WLG member's Nick and Murray, with Sally, DOC in the middle.
Gorge Road School pupils planting red tussock around the carpark.
Dave, DOC, and Chris, Fonterra, unveil the first interpretation sign. June 2011.
Volunteers with supervisor, Bruce, helped to clear red tussock and place carpet around them.
Three grey teal nest boxes now installed at Polly's Pond.
August 2015 - construction of a track across the swamp wetland which has regenerated naturally since the use of the gravel pit stopped 30 years ago.
A recycled shelter has been erected at the viewpoint on the top of the hill, with interpretation signs inside. April 2017.
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
  • O'Neill's Bush, Mataura Floodplain
  • Te Rere Yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve, Catlins
  • Waikawa Community Nursery
  • Waipapa Point Coastal Restoration Project
  • Wyndham Wildlife Refuge

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