The West Coast Blue Penguin Trust’s restoration project, on the north edge of Hokitika, received a boost this morning as an enthusiastic group planted around 250 native plants to create penguin habitat and shelter.
Patchy drizzle gave way to dry, muggy conditions as the crew dug holes and planted coastal species including ngaio, hebe, mahoe and broadleaf. The plants had been paid for by the West Coast branch of Forest & Bird, and locally sourced then grown and kindly looked after for the past year by Southside Nurseries.
It was a good team effort, with Hannah, Rhiannon and Ursina from the Girl Guides, Elders Lee and Halladay, and local Trust supporters Mark, Megan and Darren turning out to support this project, which was started four years ago. Local farmer Des Routhan also provided access and DOC supplied the truck to deliver the plants.
Blue penguins already live in this area, from around Richards Drive north, and seek shelter among remaining vegetation including flax as well as gorse and blackberry. It is expected that the planting undertaken by scouts, guides and many others will eventually provide improved natural habitat in this area, where a gap in the shrubby coastal vegetation existed between the beach and the paddocks behind.
The penguins are shy and retiring types, leaving shelter before dawn and returning after dark and using the cover of darkness to cross the beach. You’re unlikely to see them, but you may see their footprints, heading straight up or down the beach.
A big thank you from the Trust to all those who supported the planting and took part today!
