Regenerated Ellesmere water ways a credit to dedicated locals and volunteers
Christchurch Bluegreens
Farmers and volunteers in the Birdlings Brook and Harts Creek area near Lake Ellesmere, in conjunction with Environment Canterbury, welcomed the public to an open day on Saturday to mark World Water Day, Monday 22 March 2010.
The event provided an opportunity to view the results of ten years of dedicated regeneration of the water ways in the area and learn of riparian replanting projects for the future. Local farmer Peter Chamberlain hosted a bus tour of a number of specific water ways and embankments, explaining that a decade ago, concerned fisherman had alerted farmers in the area to the deterioration of water quality and stream habitat. They said water ways were choked and silty and noticeably lacking in marine life.
The regeneration project has involved the commitment of seventeen local farmers who, in collaboration with ECAN, stopped the twice a day cattle access to the stream and put a significant investment into fencing it off, also building a bridge for cattle. The process then involved clearing the streams of willows which were jamming river flows and causing flooding and erosion, and replanting natives over the decade. An enthusiastic group of us at the open day also planted a section of embankment at Birdlings Brook by the Lakeside Hall.
Water clarity and riparian habitat in Birdlings Brook and Harts Creek have been restored and the results are clearly visible. I had fun with some fascinated young children - who I’m sure are budding environmentalists - and some very knowledgeable and helpful ECAN water scientists looking at all sorts of insects in classification trays. We were lucky to see some spiny gilled mayfly, which are very sensitive to stream deterioration. A good sign that ten years of hard work and dedication have paid off!
- Nicky Wagner
Christchurch Bluegreens
Farmers and volunteers in the Birdlings Brook and Harts Creek area near Lake Ellesmere, in conjunction with Environment Canterbury, welcomed the public to an open day on Saturday to mark World Water Day, Monday 22 March 2010.
The event provided an opportunity to view the results of ten years of dedicated regeneration of the water ways in the area and learn of riparian replanting projects for the future. Local farmer Peter Chamberlain hosted a bus tour of a number of specific water ways and embankments, explaining that a decade ago, concerned fisherman had alerted farmers in the area to the deterioration of water quality and stream habitat. They said water ways were choked and silty and noticeably lacking in marine life.
The regeneration project has involved the commitment of seventeen local farmers who, in collaboration with ECAN, stopped the twice a day cattle access to the stream and put a significant investment into fencing it off, also building a bridge for cattle. The process then involved clearing the streams of willows which were jamming river flows and causing flooding and erosion, and replanting natives over the decade. An enthusiastic group of us at the open day also planted a section of embankment at Birdlings Brook by the Lakeside Hall.
Water clarity and riparian habitat in Birdlings Brook and Harts Creek have been restored and the results are clearly visible. I had fun with some fascinated young children - who I’m sure are budding environmentalists - and some very knowledgeable and helpful ECAN water scientists looking at all sorts of insects in classification trays. We were lucky to see some spiny gilled mayfly, which are very sensitive to stream deterioration. A good sign that ten years of hard work and dedication have paid off!
- Nicky Wagner
