News in brief

Funding for forestry

Are you a landowner thinking about getting into forestry or protecting native bush on your land? You may be eligible for funding under the Government's Afforestation Grant Scheme. The fund promotes forestry as a way to reduce the impact of climate change, and is managed by regional councils and central government. Forestry plantings or native bush must be five hectares to qualify, and priority will go to initiatives that control erosion and fertiliser run-off or benefit native biodiversity. Contact Greater Wellington's David Cameron on 06 370 5662.

Feet First every week

Get active with Feet First - encouraging children to walk to school safely, have fun, and learn about their community and environment. Schools can access full curriculum materials at any time of the year. Register at www.feetfirst.govt.nz

Free event for conservation volunteers

It's time to register for Restoration Day - a day of free seminars and workshops held each year for individuals and community groups who are interested in caring for their environment. This year's theme is Ki Uta Ki Tai (from the mountains to the sea) and focuses on a "whole-of-catchment" approach to environmental restoration. The event takes place on Saturday 9 May at Te Wananga O Aotearoa in Porirua. Restoration Day is organised by Greater Wellington, the Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council and Porirua City Council. Registrations are essential.. It produces millions of seeds, forming large patches that displace native plants. It has lance-shaped leaves, clusters of pink/purple flowers and red-to-green square-shaped stems. Seen it? Contact us: 0800 496 734, pest.plants@gw.govt.nz

Wanted: pest plant

Look out for this plant - it's a pest and we want to stop it spreading. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is found around waterways and grows up to three metres tall. It produces millions of seeds, forming large patches that displace native plants. It has lance-shaped leaves, clusters of pink/purple flowers and red-to-green square-shaped stems. Seen it? Contact us: 0800 496 734, pest.plants@gw.govt.nz 

Purple loosestrife