Windwhistle protection project a win for biodiversity
A precious, rocky outcrop in Windwhistle is now under protection thanks to the collaborative efforts of three landowners, QEll National Trust, Environment Canterbury and Selwyn District Council.
The 8.36 hectare site, near the headwaters of the Hororata and Waikirikiri rivers, is home to mature indigenous forest, rare plants, waterfalls and streams - and has significant ecological and biodiversity values.
The site is home to beech forest and other rare plants.
A rare habitat for threatened species
The black beech forest is of particular importance, given that lowland Canterbury now has very few forest remnants. It's also the habitat of the critically endangered broom species Carmichaelia torulosa and the Eastern' New Zealand falcon / kārearea
The work began in 2018 with the upgrading and replacement of existing fences, and the construction of 1.3 km of new fencing. This will keep livestock out, enabling forest regeneration, and will also help improve the quality of local waterways.
Subsequent works have included ongoing plant and animal pest control, and legal protection through a QEII covenant.
Protection through collaboration
The project was initiated primarily by The Point Station, but very willingly taken on board by Round Top and Long Spur stations.
Miles Giller, QEII National Trust North Canterbury regional representative, describes the bluff as 'striking' and well worth protecting.
"The cold, southern aspect and climatic exposure have resulted in several species that are normally found higher in the mountains, being present lower down at the bluff.
"The fencing was coordinated between the three properties, with the support of QEII, Environment Canterbury and Selwyn District Council, enabling each of the landowners to adopt an optimal configuration."
Protection work has included fencing, pest control, and a QEII covenant.
Benefits for farming and the environment
The overall result is a win for biodiversity and could help with research opportunities, due to the locally rare geological and ecological features of the volcanic outcrop (visible rock formation).
The Point Station owners, Steve and Teena Richards, are thrilled with the result.
"The land has always been special to our family - it's a magical place. To have the larger bluff areas now protected and fenced off properly is brilliant."
William Innes from Longspur Station says that until now the bluff's been a difficult spot to keep boundary fences up, and stock from wandering onto the neighbour's property.
"From a farming sense, it's worked very well and has meant it's easier to push stock up the hill."
Support for biodiversity projects
We support environmental projects such as the protection of wetlands, remnant forests and riparian planting.
If you're in the Selwyn Waihora area and are keen to protect, enhance or create biodiversity, please call our customer services team on 0800 324 636.