In his role as Pest Control Coordinator, Denis Rogerson reports another stoat capture, but this time in Mexted Reserve, in May 2021. Great to see this work being so effective. Our precious native birds will be so much better off for one less powerful predator out there. Awesome work. You can read more about stoatsContinue reading “A further stoat”
Author Archives: Friends of Tawa Bush
Developments in the Forest of Tawa / Te Ngahere-o-Tawa
Following the purchase of the original Forest of Tane by WCC in early 2017, a significant amount of clearance and replanting has taken place beyond the Kiwi Crescent entrance. (See FOTBR newsletters August 2019 and August 2020). Further planting occurred in 2020 on the higher slopes. John Burnet reports that WCC are currently funding andContinue reading “Developments in the Forest of Tawa / Te Ngahere-o-Tawa”
Nursery in action May 2021
The latest working bee in the new nursery involved potting up flaxes. With 125 flax plants in PB3’s with this awesome effort the second shade-house is being put to great use. Carol Andrews, Joanne Youthed and James Wright seen here potting up flax seedlings and watering them. Thanks to Ross Denton who supplied timber forContinue reading “Nursery in action May 2021”
Kārearea (NZ falcon) spotted in Tawa
This bird was spotted just a few metres away on the roof of a Tawa suburban home in mid-May 2021, while it was in pursuit of a homing pigeon. Aggressive aerial hunters, these predatory birds are becoming more common in Tawa. This is pleasing to see as they are recognised as an endangered NZ speciesContinue reading “Kārearea (NZ falcon) spotted in Tawa”
Delighted with Redwood Bush
Below is an excerpt of some very happy feedback from a Tawa resident, relating their special experiences over the years with Redwood Bush – their ‘bit of paradise’ “… I am very impressed by some of the improvements made to our track through the Tawa Redwood Bush. I have walked the track every day, rainContinue reading “Delighted with Redwood Bush”
Improvements in Redwood Bush
Tracks Recent work by WCC and FOTBR has seen new metal laid on tracks to cover many exposed roots of trees and provide easier walking. Thanks to WCC staff, Andrew Liley and Richard Herbert. New metal has also been laid in the upper part of the track in Wilf Mexted Reserve. Seats Three new styleContinue reading “Improvements in Redwood Bush”
Finished greenhouse, February 2021
The new propagation facilities are now in operation. Thanks to Geoff Mills and his team for the hours given in the construction and also to Joanne Youthed and James Wright who are managing the nursery operation. Thanks also to Helen Roper who continues the propagation of native trees in the Tawa College Horticulture facilities. InContinue reading “Finished greenhouse, February 2021”
Tawa trees – a vintage year for the fruit
Tawa trees dominate our native bush reserves and in late 2020 and early 2021, the fruit production has been prolific – far more than in recent years. The oval purple/black fruit are obvious on the ground. Tawa seed are difficult to germinate and especially progress further to seedlings and then young trees. They are veryContinue reading “Tawa trees – a vintage year for the fruit”
Pest control in Tawa bush reserves
Denis Rogerson, from the FOTBR committee, reports on the monitoring and maintenance of approximately 100 bait stations and 25 traps in the Tawa reserves. These are used to control possums, rats, mustelids and hedgehogs and are important for the health and vitality of native flora and fauna Although possum numbers are well down, historically speaking,Continue reading “Pest control in Tawa bush reserves”
Finished framework of the greenhouse, December 2020
The new propagation facilities are well advanced, and once in use, will add more space to the existing facilities at Tawa College. Thanks to Geoff Mills and his team for the hours given in the construction and appreciation to Joanne Youthed and James Wright who will have oversight of the new area once it isContinue reading “Finished framework of the greenhouse, December 2020”
Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves 