SERN Spring Field Trip - A Meander through Central Southland
A visit to Cowie’s farm at East Limehills saw us enjoying a walk along restoration plantings with threatened species among the riparian ecosystems. John Cowie has spent several decades improving this area, with great results. In her commentary, Jesse Bythell, QEII Southland Rep, said John’s work had been recognised as nationally significant with an award from the Plant Conservation Network at the 2022 Conference. The other notable feature of this stretch on the Otapiri Stream is the presence of white mistletoe on ribbonwood, being one of the best popultaions in Southland. This has much improved over the years since the Possum Control Area (PCA) programme by ES was started.
During lunch at Otapiri Hall we viewed drone footage of the meandering Kowhai Reach organised by Margie Ruddenklau, SDC Councillor. She is a long term resident in the area with family connections and a passion for this unique stand of kowhai. We also heard from the Makarewa Catchment Group about their project looking at the damage impacted by deer and pigs on the condition of the native forests in the upper catchment, as well as an analysis of the cost to farmers iwth damage to crops and pasture. They are planning to follow up with further work on looking at best control methods and to undertake that. Their goal is to improve the forest condition and also water quality by reducing the erosion and sediment loss caused by these animals. Another local Catchment Group, the Mid-Oreti, described their project of Mini Forests. With native plants propagated at the AB Lime Nursery
Lunchtime speakers include: Jesse Bythell, QEII National Trust - Kowhai Reach - plans, visions; Makarewa & Oreti Catchment groups; Environment Southland Biodiversity Team
2.00pm: Kowhai Reach Due to the lack of natural regeneration of these trees (1,000 counted at the time of covenanting with QEII in the late 1980’s, aged 100 - 300 year old) the long term viability of this riparian gem is a concern, currently being addressed. Jesse Bythell, QEII National Trust is assisting in bringing parties together and with willing adjacent landowners there is a plan, already underway, to extend the current fenced off area to allow for further plantings that will shade out the exotic grasses and give the kowhai a better chance to get established.
General discussion at the entrance along with a very short loop walk through the restored area. A longer paddock walk for the fit folks to a second planting site. For those staying with the bus – Mark Sutton (QEII) leads discussion on the social history of the area.
Please bring your own lunch and beverages. Toilet available at the hall.
RSVP for bus numbers to Edith Jones [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Thank you to Environment Southland for generously funding the bus.
