KAITUNA RESERVE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29444, 21 February 1961, Page 20

KAITUNA RESERVE

Society’s Working Party

The Forest and Bird Protection Society on Saturday had its biggest working party at Kaituna Valley reserve since It accepted responsibilityfor the maintenance of the area, four years ago. Twenty-five members concentrated mainly on clearing logs from the stream and rebuilding fencing damaged by the floods of May and December last year. A log groyne was built where the stream had undermined the bank under the boundary fence and it is hoped that this protection will prevent further erosion.

Although the North Canterbury Catchment Board is clearing the lower reaches of the Kaituna stream, the scheme finishes 20 chains below the reserve. The waterway for this distance it choked with willows and the scheme may not reduce the flooding at the reserve, says a supplied statement.

Apart from impeding the flow of water, willows had retarded much of the native growth in the reserve. The poisoning of willows has proved successful but it will be some years before willows an( i elderberry are entirely eliminated and replaced by native species. Trees and shrubs planted last spring have made good growth but the wet season caused so much rank growth of grass that many plants were almost smothered. The society hopes to organise such working parties more often. At holiday times more than 30 cars have taxed the parking area in the reserve, which has become increasingly popular.