Forest and Bird Mothplant Eradication
The mothplant eradication within the greater Leigh/Whangateau area has been very successful thanks to the huge response from people in this area.
Moth plant is a fast growing vine that can rapidly smother and replace native vegetation, making it a very big threat to our native planting schemes.
Unfortunately Mothplants will continue to come in their hundreds for a few years unless kept under regular surveillance. They are considered by many to be the next big threat to our reserves and off shore islands, because the dandelion like seeds can be spread through wind-sources far and wide.
Community Coast Care Group – Leigh
The Community Coast Clear Group is a group lead by F&B members dedicated to pest eradication.
The group targets Moth Vine, Climbing Asparagus and other invasive weeds on both public and private land on the Leigh coast.
A new area of cliff top reserve in Leigh is now being cleared next to a stream containing native fish and eels.
A Weedbusters award was won last year for the project, which is an ongoing project for the group.
The project recently obtained some funding from Doc for spraying weeds so that the seeds are not blown across the sea to Little Barrier Island.
Parry Kauri Park
The branch has been active in planting and supplying natives for the Auckland council reserve Parry Kauri Park. Native trees, including several hundred manuka have been planted and planting is now being gradually extended.
If you would like to volunteer to help with this project, please contact branch secretary Raewyn Morrison:
Ph: 09 422 9123
Email: Morrison.takatu@paradise.net.nz
Mt Tamahunga Trappers
Mount Tamahunga is mostly covered in bush and the majority of the land is owned by Doc. The Tamahunga Trappers group contains many F&B members, who trap stoats and rats. In the last 18 months hundreds of stoats and rats have been caught by members of the group.
An educational trip was held in April, which involved a group of people tramping up to the summit. The trip involved introductory talks about the mountain, its botanical coverings as well as some workshops on trapping. Demonstrations on how to remove a rat from a trap and re bait were shown to the group.
Branch Issues
The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society removal application
