Ecofund Announcement
We’re pleased to announce that Otago Regional Council’s Ecofund has again awarded Orkney Wetland, the funds will go towards weed control around the plants and wetland tracks, this year we’re moving away from specific plant maintenance now that the plants are a bit older and will be more targeting Californian thistle, gorse, poplar and willow.
A Rare Native Plant Discovered at Orkney Wetland
One of the exciting surprises to come out of our restoration work at Orkney Wetland has been the discovery of Coprosma intertexta, a rare native shrub that has been found growing naturally on the dry, rocky knobs surrounding the wetland.
Although Orkney Wetland is best known for its wetlands and birdlife, these elevated rocky areas provide an important habitat for specialised dryland plants. Coprosma intertexta is endemic to New Zealand and is currently classified as "At Risk – Declining" nationally, with only scattered populations remaining across parts of Canterbury and Otago.
This tangled, reddish shrub has tiny needle-like leaves and produces small white to pale blue berries that are eaten by native birds, helping disperse its seed. It naturally grows among rocky outcrops, old river gravels and dry scrubland - exactly the type of habitat found on the rocky rises at Orkney Wetland.
The discovery is a timely reminder that restoration isn't just about wetlands. By protecting the wider landscape - from wetland margins to dry rocky outcrops - we're helping conserve a diverse range of native plants and animals, some of which are surprisingly rare.
As we continue restoration and weed control work at Orkney Wetland, protecting these special dryland habitats will remain an important part of ensuring this unique ecosystem can thrive for generations to come.
