Nature by moonlight

Locals love the nightlife – recent walks in local bush after dark attracted more than 450 people.

Two clear but cold Friday nights last month saw the bush lit up with torches as groups of walkers explored Eave’s Bush in Orewa and Waterfall Gully at Shakespear Regional Park. Under starry skies, they encountered wetas, spiders, a scattering of glowworms and heard morepork calling.

One of the organisers, Richard Chambers, says a standout of both walks was the number of children who took part.

The June 9 event was the second time that a night walk had been held in Eave’s Bush and members of Eave’s Bush Appreciation Group, which maintains the area, were thrilled at the turnout of more than 260 people. Organisers hope it can become an annual event.

On June 16, the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) also ran a night walk – the first since Little Spotted Kiwi were introduced to the park in April. Although no Kiwi were heard that night, 190 participants took the opportunity to discover the special atmosphere of the park at night, and learn about the ongoing monitoring of the birds as they settle into their new home.

Richard says that many were surprised to learn that Shakespear Regional Park is open to people wanting to do their own night walks and listen for Kiwi calls. SOSSI is also considering more organised night walks for small groups later in the year.

The walks were supported by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Eave’s Bush Appreciation Group, Orewa Lions and SOSSI.