September 2026. Trapping update from Phil.
As everyone is now aware, the Halo Project approached us to see if we could assist their volunteer initiatives by maintaining traps in our area.
After our initial meetings with Halo it was agreed we would look to maintain traps on the same tracks we do track maintenance on for the Green Hut group. (Swinespur/Possumbusters/Porkies/ Smithies and a few traps on Rollinsons Rd)
After undertaking training on how to set and monitor DOC 200 traps, as well as learn how to do data capture on the TrapNZ app we set the first day down for 31 August – of course it rained and snowed…so on Wednesday this week Katrina and Julie checked the traps on Rollinsons Rd and Swinespur and had our first success with 1 stoat, 1 hedgehog and 3 rats. A team of 7 set out on Thursday this week (the magnificent 7 due to overcoming the very muddy and wet conditions encountered!). 3 went along Possumbusters and down Smithies clearing 2 stoats and 2 rats, while the remaining 4 drove to the top of Swampy and walked along to Porkies where we set off downhill and along parts of Possumbusters. We are awaiting the results of some forensic evidence to prove we were successful!
Everyone enjoyed their experience regardless of the weather impacts. The bush and bird song were impressive, as were the views when working high up on Rollinsons Rd/Swampy. As we set out along the Swampy to Bull Ring track a Karearea (The native falcon) literally swooped and zoomed towards us before climbing away – an exhilarating experience.
We are required to undertake the trapping monthly and generally will try to do this on the first Monday of a month. If you are interested in helping and enjoy working with a team, feel free to contact me to find out more
Many thanks Phil
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.