Conservation – Project Bellbird launched

After winning prestigious Northland Regional Council awards last month, followed by the front-page of last week’s Mangawhai Focus, we have had an incredible boost of energy. We have fresh faces joining our team so we are forging ahead with bold new initiatives – bringing native birds back to urban spaces, beginning with Waipu village aka Project Bellbird.

I am sure we have all heard about what’s going on in urban Wellington, which started on Miramar Peninsula. Across the country, communities are uniting to protect native wildlife by embracing the predator-free movement. By trapping in gardens and public spaces, we can reduce predator numbers and make our towns safe for native species once again.

Why Project Bellbird? It’s been many years since the bellbird’s distinctive song echoed regularly through Northland especially in urban areas. Once a common sight, the bellbird has suffered due to predators such as rats, possum and mustelids, which destroy nests and degrade habitat. If bellbirds can thrive in our urban areas, other native birds will join them.

Encouragingly, bellbirds are returning to areas of the Brynderwyns thanks to dedicated volunteer trapping and habitat restoration. With a bit of community effort, we hope they’ll venture down into our urban areas as well.

What is Project Bellbird?

Waipu village trapping: Encouraging residents and businesses to set traps on their properties to help reduce rats and possums.

Putting buffer zones in place: Establishing a perimeter of traps around Waipu village and its waterways to target mustelids and rats.

Developing ecological corridors: Working with landowners to restore habitat and create safe pathways for birdlife from the Waionehu Stream catchment to the village.

Just one rat trap in every five backyards can make a measurable impact. The Piroa Conservation Trust will supply traps, bait and placement advice. In return, we ask participants to log their catches so we can track progress and focus our efforts effectively.

Rats are our primary target, but if you’re troubled by possums, we’re happy to help – our team can install, service and maintain possum traps, too. Fewer possums means better recovery for native trees and plants.

Waipu, let’s rise to the challenge. If you’d like to be involved, email us at projectbellbird@piroaconservation.org.nz

Look out Mangawhai, your next on our list!