The sanctuary is a 30 hectare ECan reserve situated between Coutts Island Road, Templars Island, and the Waimakariri river. Until about five years ago, the reserve consisted mostly of weeds such as grey willow, poplar, blackberry and Old man's beard. ECan is gradually eradicating these weeds and with the help of various community groups and contractors, about 20,000 native trees have been planted. The aim is to restore the forest and wetland in the reserve to provide habitat for native birds, lizards, fish and insects.
Forest and Bird North Canterbury has been involved since 2017, holding two planting days each spring, and planting about 1,000 trees each year. Two Forest and Bird volunteers, Bruce Craig and Phil McEntee, also look after traplines in the reserve and in the year ending 2021, they eradicated 46 possums, 61 rats, 3 stoats, 3 weasels, 65 mice and 3 feral cats with a resulting noticeable increase in birdlife.
The Sanctuary is a valuable recreational area with walking and cycle tracks and the 360 trail passing through it.
In the year ending 2025, five volunteers under the leadership of Bruce Craig and Phil McEntee eradicated 63 possums, 95 rats, 14 weasels, 4 stoats, 20 hedgehogs and 74 mice. Over two Forest and Bird and public planting days in June and July 1070 trees were planted, many of these grown by Bruce Craig.
For more information contact Bruce Craig: 021 027 68961
