Brook sanctuary reopens to public
After a year of pest removal operations, Nelson’s Brook Waimarama Sanctuary reopened to the public yesterday.
There was no sign of the protests that accompanied last year’s aerial poison drops as a steady stream of visitors explored the enclosed 700-hectare nature reserve.
Dave and Carol Garnett have volunteered at the sanctuary for five years and have walked the tracks around the Brook Valley for 12. The couple brought their twin granddaughters, Emma and Kaori Melton, to the reopening – a practice they hope will continue for generations to come.
‘‘I am blown away by how green it is,’’ Dave said. ‘‘The regrowth has been incredible since we’ve got rid of the browsers – those pigs, deers and rats.’’
James and Belinda Crawford said they enjoyed the chance to take 2-year-old daughter Sophia for a walk amongst tui, bellbirds and fantails so close to the city.
The sanctuary plans to introduce native bird species such as kiwi, kakariki and kaka into the predator-proof environment.
Trust coordinator Kat Willcocks said that for the sanctuary’s hundreds of volunteers and supporters, it was an encouraging milestone to welcome people back to the bush.
She said the temporary closure had also allowed for a spruceup of the visitor centre, with updated information panels and displays.
About 26 tonnes of brodifacoum-laced bait was dropped into the sanctuary last year, prompting protests from Brook Valley residents and anti-poison advocates. The aim was to eradicate all rodents from within the 14km pest-proof perimeter fence, to allow for the reintroduction of native wildlife.
Willcocks said at least 14 pest species were cleared from the sanctuary as a result, including rats, stoats and deer. The operation was followed by months of intensive monitoring, which until recently occurred weekly.
Limited opening hours and a secure entry gate system will also help to preserve the sanctuary’s biosecurity, with visitors asked to check pockets and bags for any ‘‘stowaway guests’’ before they enter the predator-proof fenced area.