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Restoring biodiversity – one backyard at a time Part four in a series by the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. What started in 2016 with just four neighbours teaming up to weed and replant local park land is now a network of more than 200 neighbours working towards restoring biodiversity in the area. South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network is working towards making South Titirangi weed and pest free, and it’s making steady progress. Connecting with other like-minded local people is one great bonus of networking with your neighbours across South Titirangi. “Working outside in nature is great for both mind and body, and it can be a fun way to make a difference in your local area,” says spokesperson Clair Hobi. “The first step in restoring native habitats is removing the weeds that are suppressing native growth. Replanting the area with natives can also help the local environment thrive. Complementary to this is animal pest control – managing the populations of possums, rats and even stoats, which prey on native bird populations.” Neighbours networking as backyard trappers have run quarterly “pulses“ since 2016 with everyone blitzing pests at the same time. In the process they have removed over 7,000 predators from the peninsula. Clair says that all locals can contribute in any way, big or small. She invites you to visit www.southtitirangi.org.nz to find out about weeding bees, predator pulses, working in a kauri die-back environment, and for more about available resources and advice.
Coming up in In the October issue of The Fringe we will again be running a General Election feature, with special advertising rates for candidates and parties and opportunities for participating advertisers to take editorial space as well – to spell out policies, introduce candidates or contribute to the debate. We will also be starting our build up towards Summer and the Festive Season. Yep, it seems early but after the disruption of the last few months, our many thousands of readers will be eager to start thinking about happier times ahead. Special rates and complimentary editorial space will be available. The Fringe is well aware of the problems being faced by local businesses as a result of Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns and we are committed to supporting our local businesses and community organisations. The Fringe will continue to run our keeping it local section to support our advertisers and our community.
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The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2020
21
