The Council has joined forces with local volunteers to control pests at Awa Awa Rata Reserve and surrounding native forest from this weekend.

Several groups of volunteers together with the Awa Awa Rata Reserve Society have been using traps targeting small pest mammals to reduce numbers and protect the native forest health.

This work will continue supported by an experienced and approved Council contractor who has been undertaking pest control work around cemeteries and the Ashburton Lakes.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said Council's recent survey using trail cameras at night discovered a high number of pest species within the area.

“The trail camera findings gave us clues into what we need to do to save one of our remaining native forests in the district.

“We had 10 trail cameras in place and they exposed a much wider variety of pest animals than we expected.”

All pests pose threats to native forest and conservation values by significantly disturbing the health of regenerating plants.

If pest populations are left uncontrolled, they take over more area, creating further damage.

The joint project will occur every quarter until pest populations have reduced.

Game shooting at the reserve and the surrounding native forest remains closed at all hours of the day and night.

This is to ensure safety of the community using this popular network of walking tracks in and around the vicinity of this reserve.

For inquiries or concerns, please contact the Council Ecologist/Biodiversity Advisor on biodiversity@adc.govt.nz.