The helping hands of the younger generation

Wind the clock forward a few decades, and today’s students of Greta Valley School will enjoy seeing kowhai, flax and some precious kahikatea flourishing.

Better still, they will be saying they planted these with their own hands.

Last Friday, a group of local children spent time planting at Scargill Domain, contributing to The Birdsong Project restoring the wetland and stream area.

Under the guidance of Hurunui District Council’s Water and Land Coordinator, Rima Herber, each plant was carefully placed by pairs of children, using weed mats, plant guards and mulch to protect against the elements.

When children were asked why they thought the project was called ‘Birdsong’, the answer came immediately, “To make a place for birds to come.”

Year five pupil Gus Teutenberg said it was really cool learning about the different plants and ways to plant them, so they survive.

“I hope we get a lot more native birds and lizards, and keep those possums and rabbits away!” he said.

Scargill resident Jo Loe has been heavily involved in arranging planting days and resources, and said it was great having the younger generation making their mark on a local conservation project.

“The children have been learning about our native trees and birds which is fantastic, and are excited to be part of creating a legacy in our community.”

A community planting day happened on Sunday, which completed the planting of 300 mixed natives on the eastern side of the stream. The aim is to get more than 2000 plants in the ground this planting season.

Birdsong Trust: https://www.thebirdsongtrust.com/