The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust (BPCT) holds several covenants protecting important biodiversity areas. One such unique area, Hauroko, on the Kaitorete spit holds an important remnant of coastal shrubby natives such as Coprosmas, Mehlenbeckia, and Melicytus all important food sources for native insects and lizards.

It’s the time of year when the summer weeds are at their worst growing just about as fast as you can pull them! This is no different for our natural remnants where weed pressures from neighbouring gardens start to put some strain on the much slower-growing natives.

Southern Woods answered the call for volunteers to help control the growing weed populations sending a crew of 8 to help with the efforts to protect this special remnant, helping to pull over 20 sacks full of weeds like Parsley, Toadflax, Pigs Ear and Spur Valerian which spread very quickly in this sunny coastal setting.

It is important that areas like this are preserved and enhanced to prevent us from losing some of our rare and unique biodiversity. Southern Woods looks forward to the next opportunity to help groups like the BPCT  look after and grow our few remaining natural sites as they are critical resources for future restoration projects.

Look out for updates and any opportunities to Volunteer your time over the summer on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bpctnz/ or sign up to receive updates on their website https://www.bpct.org.nz/support-us