2024 SERN Autumn Field Day
Our Autumn field day this year began at a QEII Covenant at Waimatua, with the main focus on the replanting of a removed pine plantation with natives. The work carried out by the Irvings about 20 years ago, now looks more like a natural stand of forest; there is excellent regeneration of other species coming up under the initial reveg. species. Discussion was had about the use of (plastic) woolpacks as tree surrounds in those early days, which still remain after two decades. Carpet has also been used, and although not as solid as the woolpacks, is still present. Something to consider in future work. The site was inspiring for those in the group still in the early stages of restoration plantings.
We then moved to Kew Bush, where we heard from Friends of Kew Bush leader, Anna Harris, about the sycamore and ivy control and enjoyed over a cup of tea.
A walk through the Kew Bush track gives a totally different feel to how the bush was 20 years ago when Alan and John of the Invercargill South Lions Club started their war on holly in Kew Bush. The recent drill and fill work on sycamore has been very successful and made good progress on removing this threat from the area. This work was undertaken by contractors organised by Friends of Kew Bush after gaining a grant from Environment Southland’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). Small sycamore seedlings are being pulled regularly as they appear, to prevent the future establishment of the weed tree again. Although there is some natural regeneration in the area cleared of sycamore and blackberry on the north west side of the bush, some plantings have been put in to hurry along a dominance of natives in this spot.
A bush bash to the south took us past previous restoration plantings undertaken by Alan and John and their team. Then we came out on the south side to an area where Friends of Kew Bush have a vision of future plantings being done. We also checked out a recent patch of holly that had been successfully poisoned. A fern, Asplenium flaccidum, tucked underneath the holly, has survived the use of chemical to kill the holly above it and is doing well now.
Another great day of networking and inspiration. Thanks to all involved.
