Services

Refuge Ecology appreciates that protecting biodiversity requires significant commitment of time and resources. Refuge Ecology can run an entire project from conception to delivery, or we may play a relatively small part in a large project. Educational sessions to train property owners or volunteers on aspects of weed or animal pest control can also be offered.
Refuge Ecology is committed to providing services that reflect value for money, reach ecological targets and ultimately contribute towards protecting biodiversity.

Weed Control

Removal of unwanted woody weeds by hand pulling, cutting with hand saw, scrub bar or chainsaw. Agrichemicals are applied, normally by brush. Larger trees are either felled by chainsaw or drilled and filled with herbicide. Methodology of control will vary from site to site, however all weed control practices are within Growsafe guidelines and practices.
Every step is taken to ensure minimal quantities of herbicide are used and that targeted species only are controlled.

Tree Felling

Many exotic tree species will out grow native species, inhibit growth beneath them and provide a seed source allowing further infestation. Many catchments on Banks Peninsula support populations of wilding trees. Reducing the distribution of these trees while they are in a widely dispersed state removes this threat to biodiversity, protects landscape values and avoids the need for much more expensive control in the future.
Stands of exotic trees can have clearings created within the stand. This enables native forest regeneration to begin whilst maintaining the benefits of tree cover.
Tree felling offers an alternative methodology to the more frequently used techniques of drill and fill, or frilling. Frilling involves the cutting away of bark around the trunk and applying agrichemical. Tree felling offers an option that avoids the use of agrichemicals and is particularly well suited to tree species that do not regrow from a stump. Tree felling is also very cost effective, providing immediate results avoiding the hazard of standing dead trees in areas open to public access, walkways roads etc.
Other unwanted trees that are impacting on regeneration can be felled and left or cut for firewood. Trees that are creating a hazard to people or structures can also be felled.
Tree felling is inherently dangerous. Natural, physical and operational hazards need to be identified and managed. Experience, training,supervision and safe work practices means the Refuge Ecology staff can carry out tree felling with minimal risk.

Pest Control

Refuge Ecology can plan your site specific pest control programme, The collection of field data maybe necessary to determine the impact and level of animal pest infestation. This initial phase may require the cutting of tracks which can then be used for trap lines or bait stations, Pest numbers are assessed via observation of browsing damage, the presence- absence of palatable plant species, extent of animal tracks, sign and scat. Chew cards and tunnels are also used. Leg hold traps will also give a good indication of possum numbers.
On Banks Peninsula south of Gebbies Pass Environment Canterbury has a goal a achieving 5% residual trap catch for possums to prevent the impact of possums on biodiversity. Trap placement is influenced by a number of factors including species targeted, access, topography and aspect.
In the near future Refuge Ecology will be offering the use of pesticides.
Pesticides have a role to play in protecting biodiversity, particularly providing a means of an initial knock back of targeted species or in the targeting of trap weary individuals.
Refuge Ecology can plan and or deliver a pest management program to achieve the desired ecological outcomes for your property.

Track Cutting and Maintenance

Access is everything when it comes to protecting the biodiversity values of your property. Good access also allows you to enjoy your property more, and to share it with others. Although gorse is widely accepted for its role in regeneration of native plants, it will block access if left unchecked. Refuge Ecology can assist with reopening existing vehicle tracks that have been invaded by gorse. Cut plants are painted with herbicide to avoid regrowth. If necessary grass is sown and selective herbicides used to control unwanted plants whilst allowing grass establishment. Once native forest cover is achieved maintaining access is relatively easy.