Pekapeka Swamp Development Programme

What Will We See in the Future?

• Native plants are already regenerating amongst the dead standing willows. This gives us confidence that the swamp to will soon recover with carex, raupo and other New Zealand native trees and plants becoming more extensive.
  
  
• Areas of the swamp will be gradually planted with suitable native wetland species. This will be in co-operation with the Forest and Bird volunteers, schools and recreational shooters.
  
  
• A raised water level in the Central and Southern area of the swamp will result from the construction of a sill. This will prevent the wetland drying out in all but the driest years.
  
  
• Interpretation sites will be developed to inform the public and increase their understanding and enjoyment of the swamp.

All this work will create a wetland which will be a haven for wildlife. It will an interesting entrance to the Herataunga Plains and an example of how the community can work together to halt wetland degradation and enhance the environment.

What You Can See Now

• The results of major work during the last five years are becoming visible.
  
  
• The swamp has been fenced off and retired from grazing
  
  
• The Crack and Pussy willows have been sprayed or ground cleared. While the dead trees may look unsightly to the casual observer, in fact it’s a planned programme. The trees are starting to collapse and in a few years will have fallen into the swamp. A variety of other weeds are also being controlled.
  
  
• In the northern area of the swamp, willows were sprayed in 2002. Ground clearance has been done to protect a valuable area of Harakeke (Flax), and around areas not safe to spray.

Pekapeka Swamp Planting 2006