In your garden
Did you know that you can make a difference to native species in your own home, and in turn help protect Sanctuaries like Shakespear? Here are a few easy steps you can take to turn your home into a safe place for wildlife:
- Trap pest animals – by purchasing a trap, or joining a community predator control project, you can help protect birds, lizards and insects from introduced pests like rats, stoats, possums and hedgehogs. If you live on the Hibiscus Coast, you can get support with trapping from Forest & Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project. If you live elsewhere, visit Auckland Council’s Tiaki Tamaki Makaurau website to find a group near you.
- Identify and control pest plants – the seeds of invasive species can get into the sanctuary through wind dispersal, through bird movements and even on the soles of your shoes. They can displace native species, smother or strangle them, or prevent the light from reaching seedlings on the forest floor.
For local information about pest plants, and to access the right tools and support, get in touch with Restore Hibiscus & Bays.
You can also learn to identify pest plants using the Auckland Council Pest Search tool, or the Forest & Bird Weed Guide. - Plant native trees and shrubs – plant it and they will come! Fill your backyard with native plants with a view to providing food for birds all year round. Look out for karo and kōwhai in spring, different varieties of pōhutukawa and coprosma varieties also work well. Larger gardens will benefit from pūriri and flaxes are always a winner! Check out the Department of Conservation’s guide to creating a native garden.
- Become a citizen scientist! Many of our native species have insufficient data relating to their populations and how they change over time, especially in urban areas. By using iNaturalist, both at Shakespear, at home and in your local park, you won’t just learn the names of new species, you’ll be contributing to science as well! Last but not least, enjoy sharing your space with wildlife, and keep it safe by being a responsible pet owner, catios for example are becoming hugely popular.