Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
In 2015, the Waimakariri Environment and Recreation Trust (WERT) requested funding to help protect precious species around the margins of the Selwyn lake.
Cars were regularly being driven onto the shoreline, where native birds such as tuturiwhatu/banded dotterels nest and fledge their chicks.
Vehicles were also damaging the turfland and ephemeral (species that ‘come and go’, aren’t permanently present) wetland habitats at both the northern and southern ends of the lake.
These delicate areas support a range of endemic plants including the nationally endangered pūrekireki/curly sedge (Carex cirrhosa), and New Zealand fish-guts plant (Chenopodium detestans).
It was decided that a physical barrier would be the best way to solve the problem.
4WD damage to turf at the lake’s southern end, outside of the fence boundary
Protection from threats
We agreed to support the Trust with almost $40,000 to build fences at both ends of the lake, totalling over 1600 metres.
Signs were installed, explaining why the lake has been fenced off and providing information about the area’s unique plants and birds. Another sign was put up to point people to the nearest boat launching spot.
Land management and biodiversity advisor Will Todhunter says it’s been a simple way to make a big difference.
“This project has protected some of the more significant biodiversity values in Canterbury, at a place where many people like to recreate and spend time.”
Ecologist and WERT member Dr Claire Newell agrees it’s been a valuable project.
Pūrekireki/curly sedge (Carex cirrhosa) is nationally endangered
“There are about nine different species of rare plants that were being put at risk by vehicles driving on the area and doing wheelies, and disturbing the habitat.
“The New Zealand fish-guts plant is particularly precious – there are only three large populations in existence, including at the northern end of Lake Lyndon.”
The fences also protect the threatened pūteketeke/great crested grebe, which were being disturbed by vehicles.
All species play a part
Will points out that all species at the site are connected and interact, and that’s why protecting even the lesser-known varieties is so important.
“Once you begin to lose a species, it has flow-on effects. If you lose plant species in these areas, you degrade bird habitat – which can lead to reduced breeding success. As people who interact with the natural environment, we want to look after it, and this project is a way of doing that.
“We hope the public respects the need for these fences, and that they’ll be looked after for many years to come.”
Environment Canterbury © 2024
Retrieved: 3:35pm, Thu 20 Jun 2024
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/selwyn-waihora/fences-prove-their-worth-at-lake-lyndon/
