Pest control review reveals strengths and weaknesses

Results from the independent review, carried out by specialist Animal Pest Ecologist and Lincoln University lecturer, Dr James Ross are now available on our website.

Please follow this link to peruse the 21 page document.

The review that was commissioned in June this year, has both confirmed the overall direction of the project and recommended several areas for boosting pest control efforts in the reserve.

The report found that the 'vast infrastructure' of bait stations and traps within and adjacent to the reserve provided a high level of protection for native bird species, reporting 41 ferrets, 46 stoats and 75 feral cats had been caught in the last year.

Overall there are seven key recommendations. One of them, to add new and upgraded traps targeting predators at the forest perimeter, has already boosted safety for the native birds.

Other recommendations included better monitoring of possums and rodents, an annual audit of traps, the potential use of ground-based toxins as bait, and consistent use of bait types by those involved in trapping.

Some of Dr Ross's recommendations have already been implemented, others will take more time but we have agreed to advance these as quickly as possible.

Chairman of Pukaha Mount Bruce Board, Bob Francis comments 'We understand the interest and concern the events of last month have caused amongst our supporters and interested parties,' said Mr Francis. 'We have sought feedback on Dr Ross's report and our plans to act on its recommendations from several interested parties'. He continues, 'We are committed to continuing what is an ongoing process of making sure we have the optimum pest control measures in place to protect our native birds.'

The forest restoration programme has been running for more than seven years and during this time native birds including kokako, kaka and kiwi have successfully been re-introduced.

Bird and Garden Tour of the Wairarapa - tickets off to a flying start

We are delighted with the immediate response to this exciting fundraiser. Tickets are literally flying out the door.

We would love you to join us on this wonderful self-drive tour of eight private gardens in and around greater Masterton.

You will enjoy the majesty of Alfred Buxton gardens, including one which will have the original 94 year old plans available for viewing.

The gracious homesteads are punctuated with contemporary gardens with stunning views, water features, Italian-inspired herb gardens and architectural plantings.

The tour is raising funds for the upgrade to the nocturnal kiwi house at Pukaha.

Tickets $60.00 each or $50.00 each for groups of 20 people or more. The group organiser will get a FREE ticket. A sumptuous picnic lunch and refreshments included in the price.

Click here to find out more (the gardens are listed) or purchase tickets on line. Or, you may prefer to contact John Gilberthorpe directly on 06 304 9698. All group bookings through John please.

Please send the information about the garden tour on to your gardening friends. As we are an environmental organization, we are running a sustainable marketing campaign via emails. Thank you for helping us achieve this.

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