Flemings’ estuary work saluted
On a bright autumn day members of the Waikanae Estuary Care Group, the Department of Conservation and Forest and Bird gathered at the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve for a historic occasion.
After some three years of design work, gathering facts and permissions, the care group unveiled the last in their series of educational posters, mounted on the new reserve signs provided by DoC.
“We have come together at this special place to especially recognise the reserve’s founder, Sir Charles Fleming, and his wife Peg, Lady Fleming, who are both honoured on one of these special posters,” care group chairman Robin Gunston said.
“This was one of their favourite places to watch and record bird visits, and their love for this place eventually led to the purchase of the land around here for the core of the reserve, which was given scientific reserve status just before his untimely death in 1987.
“We are very privileged today to have with us all three of the Fleming sisters — Robin, Mary and Jean — to [unveil] the poster recognising the work of their parents”.
Mary McEwen (nee Fleming), who has written biographies of each of her parents, spoke about her parents, and how they had worked over a long period on their regular visits to Waikanae to identify and record the flora and fauna of the area, with Sir Charles realising how it needed protection from land development.
Gunston spoke of the continued scientific work throughout the reserve, now being published on its website, in which Jean Fleming also played a core part, then invited the sisters to unveil the new posters.
McEwen, on behalf of the family, presented a copy of the biographies of her parents to the care group for members and friends to read.