Wetlands
We create wetlands or enhance current swampy areas on farms, the object being to develop what nature has already provided, advocating for clean water and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
We are working alongside Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust (WCEET) to foster and enhance the sustainable management of ecological resources in the Waikato River catchments.
An example of a Project we carried out for Jeff Tucker’s Wetland in Glen Murray, note the improved water quality of the wetland on the right compared with the exisiting stream on the left.
This project encompassed an area of wetland that had been adversely affected through historical drainage. The top of the wetland had a good stand of remnant kahikatea forest which is now protected from grazing damage by the current fencing for the project. The water control structure is now set to a height which enables water manipulation suitable for waterfowl and the kahikatea forest.
We are hopeful that the removal of stock coupled with slow hydrological restoration will see re-colonisation and self seeding of kahikateas. This process has been augmented by planting a further 150 kahikatea trees last spring. A small number of cabbage trees and flaxes have also been planted and 30 matsudana willow poles plus 150 carex secta have been put along the river frontage to try and mitigate erosion. Predator control is ongoing in the area as part of this project.
Footage of recently completed wetlands;
Glen Murray Wetland Enhancement
The objective of the project is to enhance the biodiversity on the existing wetland area and stand of native Kahikatea & Totara, creating an environment of important habitats for native bird populations. This is combined with ongoing plans to trap predator species & reduce the population of rats, stoats and weasels.
Photos below are, before, during construction and after wetland has been developed in Glen Murray.
