Conservation trust will use grant to install walking track signage

A Taranaki conservation trust has been given $7600 to install signage on a planned 1km walkway through a rare wetland area.

Wild for Taranaki will use the grant from Walking Access Commission to build interpretation and education signs at the Rawhitiroa wetland walk, near Eltham.

Wild for Taranaki, or Taranaki Biodiversity Trust, is restoring the Taranaki wetland area by building public walking tracks to share the value of wetlands in the region. The Rawhitiroa wetland walk will have education signs providing information on mudfish, wetlands, community restoration and collaboration.

Wild for Taranaki general manager Kirstin Foley said wetlands around Taranaki were ‘‘incredibly rare and diverse’’.

‘‘We want to rebuild a place where Taranaki people can see the native plants and animals that thrive in the province unthreatened by invasive species,’’ she said. ‘‘Families will be able to learn about ma¯ta¯ta¯ fernbirds and long-finned tuna that live among the raupo¯ .’’

Foley hoped the wetland walk would eventually link up with the existing Rotokare scenic reserve sanctuary.

Walking Access Commission regional field adviser Kevin Ross said new signage would improve walkers’ experience.

‘‘This will be a short, easy walk that people of all ages can use to learn about the nature and history of their area,’’ Ross said.

Wetlands play a vital ecological role, providing a unique habitat for threatened plants, birds and fish, improving water quality, and reducing flood risk.