In early November our regional representatives for Southland and Waiau Catchment, Jesse Bythell and Mark Sutton, organised a family friendly event for QEII members. It was held at the property of Chris and Brian Rance, who have a 5.6-hectare property devoted to native plant conservation in Otatara just 8km from Invercargill.

Southland put on stunning weather for the attendees who were all treated to several activities designed to help them manage their own special protected places, with Dallas from Otatara Pestbusters and Rachel from Environment Southland coming along to the event and sharing information about weed and pest control.

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The Rance’s property also has an onsite education facility which is available to school groups and workshops and is home to the Southland Community Nursery. The nursery enables individuals and groups to grow native plants for conservation projects.

The open space covenant on their property protects 3 hectares of kahikatea dominated mature podocarp forest together with a buffer area where native bush and a recreated wetland area are being restored.

Check out the write up about the event on the Southland Community Nursery website here