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Longbush ReserveLongbush Reserve is a haven for rare and endangered species of native birds, plants and animals. It is reached by a winding gravel road up an inland valley, just 9 kilometres from Gisborne city on the Tai Rawhiti / East Coast of New Zealand. From high hill ridges to the west, three streams tumble down steep valleys and across a plain, entering the Waimata River to the east. A rare surviving strip of lowland bush runs beside the Waimata River, giving the place its name. The bush is alive with the sound of birds, including tui, bellbirds, fantails, kingfishers, whiteheads and many kereru or native pigeons. The area around Longbush Reserve is known as Waikereru (Kereru Waters). Longbush Reserve serves as an ‘ark’ for native plants and animals. It is a fine example of ecological restoration in the Tai Rawhiti district, whose biodiversity is at extreme risk from land clearance, erosion and introduced plants and animals.
April 4, 2010: We’re Legal!
The Longbush Ecological Trust is now an incorporated society. Founding Trustees are Anne and Jeremy Salmond, John Thorpe, Steve Sawyer and Meikle McNab. This means we can now apply for funding to bring back kiwi, titi, pateke etc. to Longbush. FANTASTIC November 16, 2009: The Robins return
On 13 November, we accompanied Patsy Matthews from Ecoworks and Bill Gaddum to feed native Robins - destined for Longbush - in the bush on Bill’s Matawai property. 5 male birds responded to Patsy’s call and cheerfully gathered up the meal-worm takeaway. : Royal visit to Pa Harakeke
On 24 October, Sue Scheele - the Curator of the harakeke collection collection at Landcare, Lincoln University came to admire the Orchiston collection of native flaxes at Longbush. She liked it! : Longbush Wines take flight
On 10 July 2009, the Mayor of Gisborne, Meng Foon, launched John Thorpe’s new “Bird Series” of premium Longbush wines at the Winemaker’s Daughters cafe in Gisborne. John has generously gifted a royalty from these wines to the Longbush Restoration project. June 27, 2009: more thrills in the hillsOur intrepid bird watcher Steve spotted a tomtit in the hills. We hope to seduce these guys down to Longbush Reserve.
Many thanks to Kojak and the team from Turanga Ararau for their help with this year’s planting - ka nui nga mihi atu ki a koutou. May 29, 2009:A North Island kaka (native parrot) has been heard at Longbush - another welcome visitor. May 12, 2009: latest happenings at LongbushWe’ve just heard that our application to the Biodiversity Fund for assistance with the translocation of 10 pairs of North Island robins to Longbush has been successful. This will be organised by Steve Sawyer of Ecoworks, with 4 birds being introduced into the bush at a time. Fantastic! Our Kai-tiaki of the harakeke collection - Meikle McNab - won a leadership award from Tai Rawhiti Polytechnic - see this article from the Gisborne Herald. We’ve had a great meeting with 6 Gisborne District Council officers to bring them up to speed with the Longbush project - watch this space. |
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