Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Supported by the Ashburton Water Zone Committee, the Riverbridge Native Species Trust has recently launched a 12-month project to enhance and develop the QEII covenanted protected wetland, located on the south branch of the Hakatere Ashburton River, near Westerfield.
The Riverbridge wetland acts like a sponge, storing, filtering and releasing water slowly back into the surrounding land.
It is home to native and indigenous wildlife including the kōwaro (Canterbury mudfish), tuna (long-fin eel), koura (freshwater crayfish), tūturiwhatu (banded dotterel), brown teal, marsh crake, Australasian bittern, royal spoon bills and several waterfowl species.
The project, aptly named “Project Mudfish”, aims to provide better educational opportunities for the community and future-proof the natural values of the area through predator and weed control, specialised planting and increased walking routes within the reserve.
Riverbridge Native Species Trust Chairperson Ben Aitken says the work has been a continuation of what’s been happening over the last two decades, with recent funds helping to secure contract labour and materials for the project.
“There’s been some great developments in the area, and our base of volunteers have been fantastic. However, the funding has been a good win for us, allowing us to get some of the heavy lifting done and move forward to deliver on the good outcomes we’ve set out to achieve.”
Several of the new predator (tunnel) traps implemented with the funding
Part of this funding has seen new walkways established, a fresh initiative to help improve access within the reserve. Other key outputs are to utilise the natural landscape specifically, planting more native trees and increasing the existing walking trail network.
Signage will be installed to identify significant native tree specimens and points of interest within the reserve.
As part of the funding, a new trail to enable foot access to the largest pond will be opened. The trail will utilise boardwalks and small bridges.
Plant ID/route signs will also be installed to further identify significant tree specimens and trail access points – with the group aiming to install around 12 signs within the year.
Volunteers working hard to build a track on location
The additional planting, weed and predator control will ensure that habitat within the wetland is protected and enhanced.
Over 36 species of birdlife have been recorded at Riverbridge (Riverbridge, Ashburton District County, CAN, NZ – eBird Hotspot).
Riverbridge has rich ecosystems that are thriving as the wetland matures. The enduring impact of this project reaches beyond its intrinsic biodiversity values, and out to the community.
Educational outreach and habitat restoration
Part of that outreach includes encouraging local schools and community groups previously hosting Hampstead Primary School in 2023 to help both students and staff better understand biodiversity values.
“We had a series of Tamariki through recently (approx. 250), and it’s a great opportunity for them to have a look at a wetland environment on the Canterbury Plains – (which is) quite rare for Mid Canterbury,” Ben added.
“They get to see what can be done to build those biodiversity values and what needs to be done to help return the land to a wetland environment.”
Eco-sourced native trees will be procured and planted. These will primarily be Pittosporum Tenufolium, Ribbonwood, Kahikatea and Kanuka, but may include other varieties. The ground will be prepared by deep ripping and spraying before planting. Eco-sourced native plants provide habitat for native bird species that visit the wetland.
The enhancement of the existing wetland will occur over 12 months, with initial work expected to be completed by April 2025.
Please note, that all site visits and tours must be pre-arranged with the Trust.
Project funding
If you, or your community group, have a project that needs funding, visit
ecan.govt.nz/zonefunding to learn more.
