The aim of the Bushy Point Restoration Project is to restore a 14 hectare area of pasture grass, located between two remnants of nationally significant native totara forest.
The new plantings provide a living ‘link’ between patches of forest and other native ecosystems.
Our aims are to:
- enhance the local habitat for native birds and other wildlife
- raise public awareness of the importance of native forest remnants
- provide a practical long-term ecological project for residents of Otatara, and schoolchildren to be involved in
From the year 2000 to 2010 Otatara Landcare volunteers have planted 1000 locally grown native plants a year at Bushy Point. From 2011-2013 Bushy Point has been part of the “Living Legends” national planting project with local volunteers and schoolchildren planting 10,000 plants in three years under this project. The Bushy Point Management Plan (PDF, 1.87 MB) gives more detailed information about the project.
More than plants
Since the year 2000 the Landcare Group and volunteers have put in a lot of work into the Bushy Point area. We’ve:
- created a public walking track with three interpretation signs
- created a pond with plantings and a nature walk with activities
- managed fencing, grazing and balage
- undertaken ongoing restoration planting with locally sourced native plants
- held public planting days and family fun days
- have an ongoing programme of events each month that you can be involved with
We also undertake regular weed and animal pest control.
Pest control
We currently have a pest control area of 90 hectares. This has been expanded from an original 14 hectares.
The main animal pests we control for include possums, rats, stoats, weasels and ferrets. See our Annual Reports for detailed information on catch rates. We always welcome volunteers to help adopt a pest line, so if you are interested email Enable JavaScript to view protected content.
Otatara Pestbusters Group
The Otatara Pestbusters Group has been established to encourage and help residents to do pest control at their place.
Want to control pests at your place but not sure where to start? To get information about the Otatara Pestbusters or purchase bait contact Dallas Bradley, phone 2130234 or email Enable JavaScript to view protected content.
Find out more
Keep up to date with Bushy Point by referring to the Annual Reports and News & Events section.
The OLG booklet Natural Otatara (PDF, 3.62 MB) contains a section about Bushy Point and also contains many of the birds, plants, insects and other critters you may find on a walk through Bushy point and other natural areas in Otatara.
See Let’s Explore for our range of activity sheets for children and more information about the creatures you’ll find here.
