Kaikōura Community Wetland Planting Day
The Kaikōura community is invited to take part in a community wetland planting day later this month.
- When: Thursday 26 May, starting from 10am
- Where: Silverbank Farm, 580 Postmans Road, Kaikōura
- RSVP: to Jodie Hoggard - 027 610 7574 or jodiedenton75@gmail.com
The event is being held by NZ Landcare Trust, with support from us and the Kaikōura Water Zone Committee.
Two planting sessions will be held, with the first beginning at 10.15am and the second at 1.15pm.
A lunch break will be observed between midday and 1pm with food provided.
Around 1000 eco-sourced wetland and dryland plants including kahikatea, mataī, pōkākā, lemonwood, whauwhaupaku, kōwhai, kānuka, harakeke and purei will be planted around the wetland, boosting its biodiversity and creating a natural barrier around the water.
Landowners prepared for plants
The wetland area has also been fenced off and the pre-plant spraying has been carried out ready for planting.
Landowners Will and Chris Boyd want to enhance and protect the wetland to provide a sustainable ecosystem.
"We want to do our bit for the land and our future generations," Chris said.
Farm manager Shannon Wards is equally passionate about looking after the area.
"It’s simple, farmers have been pretty hard on the land in the past so it’s giving back to nature, to what it should be like," he said.
"As a bit of a greenie, it’s about replenishing, filtering, and encouraging a healthy place on the land," he added.
Community encouraged to help 'plant their patch'
Project coordinator Tony Watson said the planting day provides the community with an incredible opportunity to make a difference in their neck of the woods.
"Many hands make light work, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping transform this wetland and seeing the benefits it will have on the farm and wider environment," he said.
Tony said the farm’s wetland is one of 14 demonstration sites between Kaikōura and Otematata that the trust is working to help enhance.
"The aim of this three-year project is to work with farmers and the wider community to provide advice and share knowledge about the range of benefits both natural and constructed wetlands offer the farming system, environment, and community," he said.
The logistics – how to get involved
The public can access the property for the planting day through the gate near the wetland, between Red Swamp Road and Chapmans Road. A sign will indicate where the event is being held and the public is being asked to park in the paddock near the gate.
Anyone attending the event is asked to arrive with clean boots, spades, and vehicles to reduce the risk of spreading a disease, pest or weed. COVID-19 restrictions will also be adhered to, and attendees are asked to bring a mask and stay away if they’re feeling unwell.
Those planning on coming must contact Jodie Hoggard to confirm their spot on 027 610 7574 or jodiedenton75@gmail.com in advance of the event.
Please note: If it rains on 26 May, the planting day will be moved to the following day, Friday 27 May. Keep an eye on the Managing Wetlands as Farm Assets Facebook page for any postponement details or call Jodie.