A marshy makeover

The conservation team have been busy planting a variety of grasses and rushes on the wetland lawn as well as in the wetland itself – a fun but muddy task!

The species planted on the lawn were primarily around the fenced-off area by the reservoir edge and were specifically selected as plants that takahē are known to use for shelter or nesting. The hope is that once that area has filled out a bit more, it will serve as a lovely spot for takahē to nest in, rather than in the wetland swamp, which is prone to flooding.

In the face of increasingly extreme and variable weather patterns, wetlands are important flood defences. They decrease flooding by trapping water and giving it time to drain and restricting the amount of silt and debris entering streams and rivers.

The wetland planting is a key part of our restoration of that area; the plants will help shade out some of the aquatic weeds there, as well as make the wetland a more diverse and resilient ecosystem!

Photo by Ian Thomas