Predators targeted before bringing birds in
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Predators of birds must be first tackled before building a Canterbury nature sanctuary, a Methven Lions spokesperson says.
Mac McElwain is leading the Lions' Methven birdsong initiative, which aims to bring back birdsong to the area by turning some vacant council reserve land into a native sanctuary.
“If you plan to establish a habitat you have to protect it.
“The second you start a bird-friendly habitat, the predators will be equally aware of it and be sitting there waiting for lunch to arrive.”
The plan is to first start removing the predators from the equation while they work towards a plan and permission for the reserve in Methven.
“It’s two separate things that have a huge amount of overlap.”
Establishing a trap library will be the project’s first step to help locals trap pests and predators in their backyards.
That plan got a $10,000 boost from the Methven Community Board last week.
The trapping library is estimated to cost $46,850 to purchase or build a range of traps that are then borrowed by locals to begin eradicating pests - including rats, possums, hedgehogs, stoats, weasels, ferrets and feral cats.
Trapping technology has developed considerably in recent years, McElwain said.
Some traps were now able to detect if a micro-chipped domestic cat was inside, and not go off, with feral cats being the target, he said.
Microchipping cats is not mandatory in the Ashburton District, and the council has yet to consider this option.
With the pest control plan underway, the Methven birdsong initiative is seeking the go-ahead for the other aspect of the plan to establish the sanctuary at its preferred location.
Chairperson Kelvin Holmes said the Methven Community Board is supportive of the birdsong initiative and their plans for the reserve but it’s a process.
“We have started the process with the council to go through things like the land use and occupancy,” Holmes said.
The unused council reserve they have their sights set on is a grass paddock with only the historic RDR pipe shed in the middle.
It backs onto the Garden of Harmony which is an area of council reserve already planted as a community space.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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92.3% Yes
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7.7% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
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