Our Servicesā mātou mahi

Predator Control

We have over 4,000 monitored The Forest Bridge Trust traps across the area we work in. Our focus is on catching mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels) which present the greatest risk to kiwi populations, and in some areas we also include control of feral cats, rats and possums which impact on other native flora and fauna. Once areas have been identified we work with landowners to provide predator control plans, traps, and training. The Trust also works with existing community groups to establish trap and bait station networks in key locations which are then maintained by landowners and community volunteers.

Ecology

The ecology team provides ecological underpinning to the long-term and landscape-wide strategy and implementation. Our area is blessed with unique biodiversity and several threatened and rare species, such as kiwi, matuku (bittern), Hochstetter’s frog, kākahi (freshwater mussel), pāteke (brown teal), dabchick, and long-tailed bats. We need to know where kiwi and other taonga species are most likely to thrive, and how they move through the landscape, to ensure predator control will be in place wherever they need it most. We monitor key indicator species and ecological processes and encourage the involvement of landowners and community groups.

Fencing and Riparian Planting

The Trust assists to connect farmers and landowners with funding to fence off and plant up waterways, wetlands, and native bush in riparian zones. The Forest Bridge Trust staff are approved Field Advisors for the Kaipara Moana Remediation Fund (KMR). KMR landowner grant schemes target the reduction of sediment entering the Kaipara Harbour through contributions to the fencing and planting of waterways. For more information on the grants available, to see our Fencing and Planting Support or visit the KMR website. If you are interested and if your waterways flow into the Kaipara Harbour get in touch with our team member: Katie or Angela and we’ll help you get started.

Community Liaison

Our Community Liaison team are often the first contact people have with the Trust. They engage with individuals and community groups, learn about their vision for conservation in their area, and discuss how the Trust might be able to support that mahi, bringing them together with other members of our team who can offer expert advice or assistance. Community Liaison organise community events and keep our supporters, landowners and community members informed about what is happening within the bridge – connecting them with others in our rohe working towards a connected flourishing landscape.

Training

The Forest Bridge Trust is proud to partner with Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation to offer Kiwi Dog Avoidance Training. This programme plays a crucial role in educating dog owners about the importance of preventing interactions between dogs and kiwi and teaches dogs the skills to avoid and steer clear of kiwi habitats. Sessions will be run throughout the year for residents in our area of interest and advertised through our website and social media. Click to register your interest and be notified when a KAT session is scheduled for your area.

Education

Our Forest Bridge Defenders schools programme has developed an award winning education module to help children to understand the threats to our precious natural places and wildlife while also learning important skills as they create scientific experiments and work with statistics to help improve their trapping.