Willows invading the Blythe Valley Moelean Wetland were the targets of the final Hurunui Weedbusters event for 2025. A small group including volunteers from the Blythe Valley catchment and ECan staff targeted grey willows mainly, using the ‘drill and fill’ method to poison the trees. Also in their sights were sycamore, alder, and rowan.

Richard Shaw of the Blythe Valley Catchment Group explains that this restoration project will be a long-term effort, as the wetland, also known as Moelean Swamp, is in poor shape with around 40% of its surface encroached upon by weeds, and threatened by feral deer and possums. The wetland is worth saving because of its impressive old stands of native carex secta and other sedges. At 24ha it is one of North Canterbury’s largest lowland wetlands. ECan (Environment Canterbury) is working with the Blythe Community to support the project in its initial phase.

Hurunui Weedbusters’ next event is tackling Old Man’s Beard at Port Robinson, on Sunday February 22, 2026.

For more information and to register, contact [email protected]