Birdsong Restoration Project

This community-led wetland restoration at the Scargill Motunau Recreation Reserve got underway in 2023, following the clearance of willows. The aim is to plant eco-sourced natives along and above the stream that flows through the reserve to create a beautiful habitat for indigenous species to thrive and people to enjoy.

Run by the Birdsong Trust, the project is supported by philanthropic funding, with some plants donated by Environment Canterbury. In the first two years of the project, volunteers planted around 4000 plants under the guidance of ecologists Sue McGaw and Rima Herber, managed by the coordinator, Jo Loe.

Plantings include a variety of wetland, dryland and woodland species. One area has species providing habitat and food for lizards. There is an avenue of kowhai planted between a range of woodland plants, kahikatea are dotted along the valley floor amongst carex and banks are clothed in stands of mānuka and woodland species. The planting plan has also focused on protecting erosion prone areas.

The vision is to continue with native restoration of parts of the reserve, as long as there are funds and community support. Planting and ongoing maintenance will be carried out mainly by volunteers, including students from Greta Valley School.

The Scargill Motunau Recreation Reserve is owned by the Hurunui District Council and managed by a committee of local residents. It is highly valued in the community for the sports facilities, the established exotic trees, the walking tracks and a sports pavilion. The Birdsong restoration of the wetlands and stream will contribute to the attractiveness of the reserve and create a balance between the exceptional exotic plantings and the biodiversity indigenous to the district.

Contact: Jo Loe at [email protected]

www.thebirdsongtrust.com

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