Wadeson Island – digging and planting
At the beginning of August the walking track on Wadeson Island was closed to begin maintenance and to clear and level other parts of the track and surrounding areas in preparation for planting.
Track maintenance, funded by the Council, has been undertaken by Destination Westland with much of the weeding being undertaken by MBC Environmental Solutions. Conservation Volunteers are using their expertise to develop channels to support whitebait and establish areas suitable for planting.
To ensure the whitebait habitat is environmentally friendly and resilient to natural forces, channels will be excavated, shaped and planted so that the whitebait can have cool deep water in which to hide and a greater surface area of the bank for planting and whitebait egg laying.
Local schools are getting involved, with 32 students, parents and caregivers joining the team during the first week of August. They planted over 200 native plants and learnt about the wildlife on the island. The team are also in discussions with Westland High School science department to assist with units of work for years 9 – 11 focussing on Wadeson Island.
Developing and looking after Wadeson Island is a collaborative project being led by the Council. It includes support from two Jobs for Nature projects – Weed control led by Development West Coast and MBC Environmental and development of whitebait habitat led by West Coast Regional Council and Conservation Volunteers New Zealand. You can find the Concept Plan on the Westland District Council website.
Images supplied by Allan Porter.
