Empowering Women in ConservationThe First Forest Bridge Trust Women’s Trapping Event
The Forest Bridge Trust took a pioneering step by hosting its inaugural Women’s Only Trapping Worksop. The event aimed to equip women in our rohe with best practice techniques, essential tips, and tools for effective predator control.
Led by Paula and Elena from our Volunteer team, the workshop provided participants with behavioural insights into the predators that we target, (including stoats, weasels, ferrets, rats, and possums). Through trap setting demonstration and the opportunity to get hands-on, attendees elevated their trapping skills, ensuring that they felt ready to make a meaningful impact on protecting our precious fauna.
The event focused on several key trap types, including the DOC250, DOC200, Flippy Timmy, and Victor Rat traps. Our 10 participants had the opportunity to learn about each trap’s functionality and proper placement, ensuring optimal effectiveness in their predator control efforts.
Following the informative side of the workshop, the group enjoyed a scenic trapline walk guided by Paula. Here, they put their newfound skills to the test, experiencing the tranquillity of the outdoors while setting traps. With a newfound sense of empowerment and confidence, we hope that our female trappers feel motivated to contribute to local conservation efforts.
One participant said “It was a very supportive, calm and unhurried workshop overlooking the magnificent Pakiri coastline led by an experienced team! Great day, great idea and motivational”
Paula Griffin, reflected on the success of the day. “Most of the people at the workshop were looking to upskill their knowledge on setting traps and to gain more confidence in their ability to set the traps more often,” she shared. “They thought it was cool that it was a women’s only workshop for trapping and appreciated the opportunity to connect with other women in the process. They seemed more comfortable and at ease.”
The positive feedback from participants was overwhelming. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn new skills and connect with like-minded individuals. “People learnt lots of things on the day, and they were glad they came,” Paula noted. “Some are even thinking of joining our volunteer lines and are interested in following our newsletter. It’s a win for all of us!”
The trapline, situated on Rodney Rd in Leigh overlooking Parkiri, provided the perfect setting for hands-on learning. Paula ensured that participants had ample practice time with clean traps before heading out into the field. “Everyone enjoyed walking the line and watching me remove pests,” she added. “We caught a possum, a rat, and a weasel, so they were all pumped!”
The event also fostered an environment of open discussion, with participants asking insightful questions about trap-setting techniques and trap options that best suited their comfort levels. This exchange of knowledge and experience was invaluable in overcoming potential obstacles in their trapping journey.
Looking ahead, both Paula and Elena are optimistic about the future of the Women’s Trapping Event. “It was successful, so we will most likely run another one and make it an annual thing,” Paula affirmed. The event’s success not only empowered women to take an active role in conservation but also paved the way for continued collaboration and support in safeguarding wildlife across The Forest Bridge.