Lake Alexandrina planting day boosted by $4600 grant

The Lake Alexandrina Conservation Trust has planted 1000 native sedges at West Creek, and another 2000 are on the way, thanks to almost $5000 of Immediate Steps biodiversity funding (IMS).

The planting took place recently with help from 18 Trust members, farmers and Fish and Game staff.

The Trust worked with Glenmore Station to deer fence West Creek previously and wanted to continue that good work by planting natives along the creek, ensuring the creek was shaded, improving the water quality before it reaches Lake Alexandrina.

The group sent their project to the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee for IMS funding, which the committee agreed should be recommended to Environment Canterbury for the green light.

West Creek deer fenced and ready for native planting.

A funding 'no-brainer' 

Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee chair Simon Cameron said it is easy to get behind a group with such a fantastic idea and clear objectives.

“We support the ground-up approach of getting local people and local organisations involved and hence the success of these projects.

“We wholeheartedly support the Immediate Steps initiatives. The committee is presently revisiting past projects to check that we are achieving the desired outcomes and to make sure that future projects are going to help our local environment,” he said.

Lake Alexandrina Conservation Trust’s Alister Clarke said the planting day was well attended and the group is keen to carry on their good work.

“I think we had quite a good turnout, about 18, and we planted quite a bit of it. Off the top of my head we planted 1000 native carex and have 2000 more ordered for this year,” Alister said.

“It was one of those streams that there were a few small springs where deer were allowed to wallow in it and mud and sediment were being kicked up into the water. So we worked with the farmer and they were more than happy to let that area be fenced off and then be planted.

“It’s quite a large space, maybe 1.5km long, but it’s a great example of the farmer and conservation working together, it really is the way to go. If we can help out, it makes things so much easier for everyone,” he said.

Ticking zone committee objectives

This project meets some of the zone committee’s agreed outcomes with the community, such as riparian protection by supporting and accelerating existing protection.

It will also support freshwater ecosystems’ function and health. The project will strengthen the biodiversity corridor leading into Lake Alexandrina.