Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Welcome to SERN

October • WLG Gravel Pit, Kapuka South

Find a project

Do you want to learn more about ecological restoration projects in Southland? Would you like to volunteer assistance on a Southland project? Use the map to the right to find a project, or check out the larger map in the Project Directory.

Project Directory

Southland Ecological Restoration Network (SERN) is a network of Southland people “bringing back the natives”. The aim is to promote the restoration of native ecological sites in Southland.

This website features a number of local restoration projects, with contact information and photos for each project. There is also at least one field day a year to bring people involved in restoration together, to encourage and share knowledge and also celebrate all the good work going on around Southland.

SERN openly invites volunteers to approach restoration project contacts if they wish to lend a hand.

Latest News

Kōwhai Reach is at peak bloom!

Forget the Alexander Blossom Festival, in central Southland we've got our own style of blossom celebration! Kōwhai at Kōwhai Reach are currently in full bloom and look incredible. Read more

Upcoming Events

SERN Spring Field trip - Waikawa Valley Restoration

31 October 2026

Join us for this year's Spring Field Trip to hear about the work being undertaken in the Waikawa catchment by local community groups and… Read more

Allan and John with plants propagated by them at the Southland Community Nursery, Otatara, for a Lions Club planting working bee at Kew Bush.

Kew Bush, Invercargill

Men of the Trees working bee, clearing the natives from the engulfing broom. Follow up spraying controlled the broom and allowed for further plantings.

Pourakino Reserve, Riverton

Before. This restoration began with just a stand of kahikatea in a grass paddock. Here you can see the difference with more recent planting.

Ivy Russell Reserve, Winton

© 2026 • Website by RS

Our Supporters

Invercargill City Council Environment Southland Department of Conservation Forest and Bird Southland Community Nursery
  • Home
  • Project Directory
  • Organisations
  • Events
  • News
  • About
  • Links
  • Contact