REPORT
Hurunui Weedbusters tackle broom at Blythe Valley
Sunday 8 June, 10:00am – 1:00pm
To go ahead, or call it off? The forecast for Sunday 8 June looked dodgy but we counted on a break and got lucky. Our hardy group included volunteers from Christchurch to Marlborough, who converged at our Blythe Valley site by 10am ready to go.
Warmly clad and wielding tools, we got stuck into a large patch of broom where young natives are growing. Long grass also needed clearing, The plants are doing well thanks to adequate rain later in summer and autumn.
After our efforts, we retreated indoors for delicious soup and sourdough bread, muffins and cake, around a toasty fire. A most satisfying morning in all ways!
Property owners Richard Shaw and Nicki Murray began planting in 2022 but a wildfire destroyed half the plants.
They started over and now have over 5000 plants covering 4 ha. Richard and Nicki are part of the Blythe Valley Community Catchment Group, which comprises 22 properties. As well as planting and managing covenants, group members are trapping over 14,000 ha.
Next month’s Hurunui Weedbusting event is at Island Hills Station, Culverden. Details coming soon.
We love welcoming new volunteers! To join our mailing list, contact:
Belinda Meares, Hurunui Biodiversity Trust, [email protected], 0221 600 383, or Rima Herber, [email protected], 027 8722 329.
Hurunui Weedbusters Head to Blythe Valley
Sunday 8 June, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Our June weeding bee at a Blythe Valley property is to release young plants from grass and weeds, and knock back some broom and blackberry regrowth. Owners Richard Shaw and Nicki Murray began large-scale planting in 2022 but unfortunately half the plants were destroyed by wildfire 18 months ago. After this setback, they doubled their efforts and now have over 5000 plants in the ground covering 4 ha. Richard and Nicki are part of the dynamic Blythe Valley Community Catchment Group, which comprises 22 properties. As well as planting and managing covenants, group members are also trapping over 14,000 ha.
Meet: 8.45 am at Hurunui District Council’s northern carpark in Amberley if you’d like to rideshare, otherwise by 10am at the site, 1298 Blythe Road.
Directions: If coming from the south on SH1, turn off onto Stonyhurst Rd. When you hit the gravel, that is the start of the Blythe Rd. Phone coverage is patchy so Google Maps is unreliable. The property is 13.57km from where the southern end of the Blythe Rd starts. Look for the deerfenced entrance with the gate open. Follow the track down and up a dip, to the pale yellow cottage. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. Some of the terrain is sloped but there are level areas to work if you prefer. We’ll bring gloves and tools, or you can BYO if you like. Morning tea also provided.
Please register with Belinda Meares, Hurunui Biodiversity Trust, [email protected], 0221 600 383, or Rima Herber, [email protected], 027 8722 329.
Let us know your contact phone number in case we need to postpone. The rain day is Saturday 14 June.
