Local Biodiversity fencing Project gets share of funding stakes

Work to protect and enhance the character of a North Canterbury wetland has been carried out thanks to help from Environment Canterbury’s Biodiversity Fund.

Hanmer Springs landowner Graeme Shaw said he and his wife Emily recognised the three hectare wetland on their property had native biodiversity value.

“The hydrology and vegetation cover of the Chatterton Wetland has been substantially modified, but we saw considerable potential to restore the water quality and ecosystem health at the site.

“Specifically, we wanted to improve the chances for indigenous fauna to flourish in the area by undertaking a programme of weed control and fencing to keep stock away from the area.

“We are grateful for the funding from the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Fund towards fencing costs, and we look forward to keeping them up-to-date on our progress,” he said.

Graeme and Emily are also taking it upon themselves to undertake a weed and willow removal programme to help restore significant numbers of native plants to the site to help provide valuable habitat for native fish and birds of the area.

Around 20 indigenous vascular plant species have been recorded at the wetland. Woody weeds such as alder, sycamore, rowan, and crack willow currently pose the largest threat to the wetland, as these species can grow rapidly and shade-out indigenous wetland vegetation.

Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Officer Jean Tompkins said the Chatterton Wetland is significant because it is one of the few remaining wetlands on the Hanmer Plain.

“The Hanmer Plain is a highly modified environment, with very little indigenous vegetation and few wetlands remaining.

“It is important to work with landowners to protect and restore these few remaining wetlands and the fencing undertaken here will ensure livestock, which could damage the wetland, are excluded.

“Browsing animals such as possums, rabbits, and hares can also cause damage to naturally regenerating native plants and restoration plantings.

“The fencing will help to reduce erosion and nutrient inputs into the wetland, improve water quality, and allow recovery of native vegetation. Protecting native plantings from stock is essential for their survival.

“Its great to see landowners such as Graeme and Emily taking a real interest in biodiversity and ecosystem health protection and we look forward to seeing the benefits of their work over the coming years,” she said.

More than $7,000 in biodiversity funding was granted to the Chatterton Wetland fencing project.

Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Fund
Environment Canterbury allocates $400,000 per year to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region. Funding is targeted towards the highest priority actions aimed at protecting and restoring the regions’ biodiversity within a variety of ecosystem types, including wetlands, drylands, lowland streams and native vegetation remnants.

Other available biodiversity funding
The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). Through this fund, $1.24 million is allocated annually to projects and there is a further contribution required from third parties.

The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. CWMS Zone Committees are charged with deciding the priorities for in each zone.

Environment Canterbury also allocates grants on behalf of the Honda TreeFund, including to school projects.