Get rid of invasive species
The first phase of the project was the preparation of the Boundry, in which all invasive tree species such as pastures that spread slightly. Then it was about spraying and proving the pages to enable the future expansion of the wetland. In spring you will plant native vegetation.
After planting, the predator catch will also be an important phase of the project. The growing local vegetation would attract more birds and insects, which will lead to more predators try to kill these birds.
Martin Cochrane said the greatest challenge was to maintain the growth of the local plants because they could be quite susceptible to the first three to five years.
“It will be a family project to make everything we can do to improve the environment and make it a better home for wading birds,” said Martin Cochrane.
However, improving biological diversity for bird life is only an advantage for restoring the wetland.
Improvement of water quality and biological diversity
Diane's family, the Elliots, had managed the property since the Waikākahi ballot paper from 1899 and bought the neighboring Hossack moisture area in the early 2000s.
Martin Cochrane said there was a lot of wetland loss, especially in Canterbury, and they were pleased that it had not been developed into arable land.
“The fact that this wetland is still here and offers a natural filter for water in the Waihao River is definitely worth protection,” said Martin Cochrane.
The restoration of the wetland meant improving the habitat for local fauna, reducing water during a flood and being part of a biological multi -fold corridor along the Waihao river.
The family also hoped that the project would encourage other landowners to show interest in how they could contribute to improving water quality and biological diversity.
They planned to protect the wetland with a QEII bundle to ensure survival for future generations. The inclusion of public access to the wetland would also be part of the restoration project.
Important role of wetlands
Wet areas act as a natural “filter” for water and play an important role in water quality, absorb nutrients and capture of sediment that would otherwise start into our fresh water.
By slowing down the water flow of land and loosening in dry times, you play an important role even in times of high or low rainfall.
While historically many of the country's natural wetlands were drained, some were simply hidden by weeds and cannot exhaust their environmental potential.
Financing for projects
This project is supported by the budget distribution of the lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee for 2024.
Each of the region's water zone committees has an action plan in which it describes how they work with the community to improve the environment and achieve the goals of the Canterbury management targets.