A volunteer’s perspective
Volunteer Grant Buchanan’s cheers of joy at leaving level 3 lockdown only got louder when he nabbed his first stoat while returning to trapping duties at the top of Whakamārama Road.
Grant is one of the volunteers who work at the Blade, a 300-hectare patch of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park that is being protected by the community through intensive trapping. “My wife and I have been volunteering a few hours per week for the last year or so. I was behind her on the stoat count, so I was rapt to get this one. Just this week as a group, we have accounted for 108 Possums, 346 rats and six stoats. I got involved after seeing and benefiting from the change at Puketoki reserve which has seen a major return of birdlife after years of community work. It is great to see the bush come back to life thanks to our efforts and birds I remembered as a child making such a comeback. My wife Dallas came up for a look, and she was hooked as well, although a little squeamish initially around the trapped pests. She just puts on her supplied gloves and gets on with it. Seeing the Robins become so plentiful, and having the curious birds follow you through the bush is just so rewarding. We are always looking for more helpers. There are various roles from trapmaking to listening surveys for bird calls, to adopting a line suitable for your fitness level. Full training is provided, and anyone who wants to have a look at how things work can pop up to the Blade Reserve at the top of Whakamārama Rd at 9am first Friday of the month for an introductory walk and talk. Alternatively, contact Colin Hewens 552 6771.