• Pest control brings back the birds
• Farmer protects native bush

Pest control brings back the birds
Native birds are coming back to Northland’s Motatau Forest thanks to a pest control programme initiated by Te Runanga o Ngati Hine.

The forest is home to many native species, some unique to the area. Trees like rata, totara, kahikatea, taraire and kohokohe can be found. Kiwi and tui also make their home in the forest.

Before the pest control programme began, locals had watched the forest’s health decline. “Rata trees were dying”, explains Kevin Prime, the environmental coordinator for Te Runanga o Ngati Hine. “Plant life was being ravaged by pests like possums, rats and goats.”

Taking action Concerned about what was happening, the Runanga set to work. In 1989, they established a pest control scheme, training a team of workers under a Department of Labour training programme.

“Our trainees successfully eradicated the pests at Motatau and the surrounding area and later went from there up to the Puketi Forest near Watangi to assist with pest control”, says Kevin.

Very soon, birds were coming back to the forest and trees were beginning to regenerate.

Since 1994, the runanga has been working with the Department of Conservation and Landcare Research to develop strategies to manage the biodiversity of Motatau Forest.

“Landcare Research has provided us with research and data and DOC has worked with us on pest control”, Kevin says.

Benefits to conservation Pest control has also been extended to surrounding properties, creating buffer zones around the forest. The benefits have been seen in the breeding successes of native birds.

“With the native wood pigeon, we went from a 100% nest failure in the 1996/1997 breeding season, to a 100% success in 1998/1999 breeding season”, says Kevin.

With the forest regenerating and bird numbers on the rise, locals can point to Motatau Forest as a successful example of how communities can work together to protect indigenous biodiversity.

Source: Ministry for the Environment (2002) Protecting our native plants and animals: communities in action.

Farmer protects native bush
Farmer Alan Totty wants to do his bit for conservation. “New Zealand’s biodiversity is really unique and well worth saving”, Alan says.

On his farm in Stavely, near the Alford State Forest in mid-Canterbury, Alan has protected 10 hectares of regenerating bush by a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant.

He has also planted three kilometres of native shelterbelts near the covenanted area.

Alan started by planting hardy species. The farm sits against the hills and the climate is harsh in winter.

His nurseryman, Peter Keller, eco-sourced seeds from trees in the surrounding area. Kohuhu, lacebark, beech and ribbonwood were among the first trees planted. As the trees became established, more were added. The shelterbelts now contain over 25 different plant species.

It’s all been worthwhile Alan says managing a productive farm while conserving local native flora and fauna is an interesting challenge. But it’s all been worthwhile.

“Some of the trees are flowering and fruiting and producing seeds for the birds”, Alan says.

“You plant the shelter primarily for livestock but with the extra bonus of helping to preserve native species and birdlife in the district”.

Apart from work on his own property, Alan is a member of the Foothills Landcare Group. In partnership with the Ashburton District Council, the group monitors privately-owned native forests in the area. It also coordinates and encourages possum control programmes on local farms.

Source: Ministry for the Environment (2002) Protecting our native plants and animals: communities in action.