Prickly Plant Restoration!

Restoration with Banks Peninsula Trust

 Today we worked with the Banks Peninsula Trust on a restoration project. After a scenic ride in the gatorwaka, we met Sophi and Wayne who work with the trust. They gave a brief lecture on covenants and how land in New Zealand is protected for conservation purposes. We also got to meet Wayne’s dog, Tui! 

Tui the dog 

Wayne and Sophie explain our work for the day

We then went to battle with the invasive plant barberry. Armed with handsaws, ‘loppers’ and ‘cut n paste’ we spread out amongst the forest to cut down down these invasive trees. However, the trees fought back. They were incredibly spiny and would jab you if you weren’t careful. Luckily, we all made it out (mostly) unscathed and did considerable damage to the barberry population. Exhausted, we loaded up in the gatorwaka to head to teatime. 

Ashley smiling instead of working 

Nico and Ryan putting in work

Defeated barberry with paste to prevent regrowth

Lunch break! 🥪 

Success!

Teatime at the Store

On the way back to our dorms we stopped at a little shop called ‘The Store’. We got a variety of snacks and drinks and had a good time relaxing after our manual labor. Afterwards, we headed back to the dorms. It was a short but sweet day and I’m excited for what the future will bring. 

Teatime 🫖 ⏰ 

- see you tomorrow 😀✌️ 

Ryan