The Thomsons Catchment Committee is inviting people to its Orkney wetland this Sunday to learn more about the work being done.

Held in conjunction with World Wetland Day, it is also a good opportunity for people to learn about bird life, pest control, weed control and to take home some seeds to grow for the wetland.

Manuherekia Catchment Group administrator Emily Hart said people can take a walk around the wetland or bike along the Otago Central Rail Trail.

“The wetland will be open to view from the platform, with committee members and volunteers on site to share what’s been happening since construction wrapped up.”

She said Jo Wakelin will be running a hands-on seed-planting demonstration, and the day will conclude with a real fruit ice cream back at the Omakau Golf Course.

Emily said the group is currently in maintenance mode with plants that they planted last year, in areas where they removed willows or restored wetlands.

There will also be a wetland restoration field day coming up on February 27 at Hills Creek Station and Merino Ridges.

“We’ll be sending out ‘save the date’ material for this via letterboxes in the catchment later this and more info will be posted on our Facebook.”

Last year the group official opened a new walking path and viewing platform overlooking the 5ha wetland.

Originally receiving funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Jobs for Nature fund, local farmers, volunteers have turned the wetland into a thriving ecosystem.

Teams of locals and experts dug out 1.5 hectares of land, planted 41,000 native Carex secta, and welcomed the return of native species – including longfin eels, black-billed gulls and galaxiids.

A dedicated bird monitoring team now keeps watch over the wetland, while a backyard growers group cares for native plants at home - to be planted out at future restoration days. 

Across the catchment, 50,000 native plants have been planted, 50km of fencing has helped lift riparian protection from 87% to 95%, and school-led water quality monitoring has been carried out in partnership with the Otago Regional Council and Enviroschools. 

Work to protect the threatened Central Otago roundhead galaxiid has improved fish passage at three key sites, while pest control and bird monitoring were helping biodiversity flourish.

The wetland open day will go ahead even if the weather is bad - the Omakau Golf Club will provide the back up alternative from 2pm-4pm on Sunday.

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