Improving biodiversity in Selwyn-Waihora: Seeking more projects to support

Environment Canterbury announced today the successful conclusion of a biodiversity project in the Selwyn-Waihora area and that the local committee is on the lookout for more.

Last year the Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee supported an ongoing joint project between Selwyn District Council (SDC) and Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET) adjoining the Hororata River at Mitchells Road.

This project increases native biodiversity in an area with very little remaining indigenous vegetation.

WET has planted around 13,500 plants on the 6-hectare site with the help of many groups including funding from SDC, the Department of Conservation Community Conservation Funding, Environment Canterbury, the World Wildlife Fund, the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - and many hours of help from volunteers.

WET manager Adrienne Lomax says the grant from the Zone Committee allowed them to secure the gains they had made at this site. “As the plants at this site continue to mature it is going to be a great place for people to visit, enjoy and see what can be achieved by reintroducing native plants into this area,” she said.

As part of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, the Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee has identified the Hororata River Catchment as a priority for supporting biodiversity protection projects through the Immediate Steps Funding programme for the next four years (2011-2015).

The Committee has funding of up to $100,000 per year to support on the ground actions focusing on protecting and connecting springs and wetlands with remnant native biodiversity values.

Examples of projects which may be supported by funding are fencing out of springs or wetlands, weed control in wetlands, and planting to improve habitat for native fish populations.

Landowners in the Hororata River Catchment are encouraged to contact Donna Woodley (0272 256396, donna.woodley@ecan.govt.nz) if they have any wetlands, springs or streams on their properties where this fund may be able to support protection or enhancement.

Immediate Steps funding has been committed to a number of other important projects including Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere restoration. This project, as well as Wainono Lagoon and Upper Rakaia and Rangitata braided rivers, are Regional Flagship projects selected by the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Regional Committee.