Volunteers on trail to help restore wildlife

Twelve newly-trained restoration volunteers will take to the forests of Pukaha Mt Bruce this week to clear predator trap lines.

This follows the training of 20 new host volunteers who have clocked up more than 500 hours since the programme started in November.

The new hosts are part of a wider volunteer programme at Pukaha, which is primarily aimed at encouraging greater involvement from the local community.

Volunteer co-ordinator Catherine Rossiter-Stead is delighted with the volunteers' contributions.

The traps play a crucial role in keeping pests away from the wildlife.

The restoration volunteers were given a day's training by Department of Conservation (DoC) ranger Tom Studholme, Pukaha restoration team leader Gary Anderson and experienced volunteer Theo Gerritsen.

They were shown how to set DoC 200 and DoC 250 traps and were taken along one of the trap-lines within the forest.

"Pukaha is extremely grateful for the commitment made by the restoration volunteers, as they are responsible for specific lines and will be clearing them every two weeks, whatever the weather," said Mrs Rossiter-Stead.

"Most of the lines require a degree of physical effort and navigational skills are a real must. Anyone who loves the bush and doesn't mind a bit of graft will really enjoy this role, plus you get to spend time in a very special place."

Mrs Rossiter-Stead also praised the work of host volunteers so far. She said they had helped ensure visitors receive a first class experience when they visit the wildlife centre.

"They have already made a huge difference to the visitor experience from making sure the visitors know when the chick and tuatara feeds are taking place, to patiently helping our guests spot native birds. There have been some really lovely moments so far."

For more information about becoming a host or restoration volunteer check out www.pukaha.org.nz/volunteer or send an email to Catherine Rossiter-Stead at volunteer@pukaha.org.nz.