Restoration work not going unnoticed

On behalf of Piroa-Brynderwyns Landcare (PBL), Weed Action and the Mangawhai community, a massive thanks to the team who work tirelessly in the DOC reserve at the corner of King and Cove Roads.

Back in May 2020 Weed Action was looking for volunteers to help on various projects. Lew stepped forward offering to help given his passion for conservation in the area and got to work removing wattle in the reserve. Not that long after Guy saw Lew out there on his own working hard so stopped and offered to help.

It started off as really hard physical work for the two gents, but they got on top of things and were soon on to the honeysuckle, pampas, and wild blackberry. Helen saw the great progress and offered her help, bringing a wealth of plant knowledge to the small team.

Every Monday the three musketeers continue their hard work. Six months ago they introduced animal pest control (a DOC200 trapping network) to help reduce rats and stoats in the reserve which helped the return of the ground nesting kotata (fernbirds) and other native species.

The team are keen to get council approval to have a local volunteer with a digger level the ground ready for planting in early winter. Mangawhai Natives has kindly offered to help with the planting efforts so the aim is to plant the area with appropriately in early winter. Securing more DOC200s from PBL has also increased their trapping network, including installing Celium monitors on the boxes to increase trap efficiency.

n If you are keen to help with the planting or donate some natives for planting check out pbl.org.nz, or facebook.com/PBLGroup

Guy, Lew and Helen – the Three Musketeers – onsite at King/Cove Roads DOC Reserve. PHOTO/SUPPLIED