|
Members and volunteers supporting the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust are seriously dedicated to restoring and protecting the iconic landscapes of South Marlborough.
The Branch Leatham / Lost Valley covers 52,000 hectares, bordering Nelson National Park, Rainbow Range and Waihopai Valley. It is covered in wilding pines, both Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) and Douglas fir, with ever decreasing biodiversity a concern for the local community.
The Branch Leatham is one of the areas not yet able to become active with government funding through the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, making the efforts of the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust all the more important. Regular volunteer efforts have been underway here for many years.
"We decided to make this our focus area for all our volunteer programmes (Back Country, Community and Corporate), due to its position and effect on the main head water catchment from the upper Waihopai that flows into the Wairau River, challenging future water supply for Marlborough’s many industries," says Ket Bradshaw, coordinator for the Trust.
Ket leading by example: In early 2024 Ket cycled 1500km of the South Island for the cause. See her trip and videos at Facebook.com/marlboroughrestoration/videos
|
