The following pages tell the story of a changing relationship: from a landscape where cattle grazed on the slopes of the Western side of the hill and where vines, barberry and gorse made it hard to find a way up the track from the road to a landscape that has unfolded a canopy of trees that expose a natural history and geology. The presence of past voices, of school picnic spots and man-made dams, have been revealed. Weka roam in and out, birds fly through the canopy, fungi appear and disappear, and a leg count of insects numbering in the hundreds are now part of this landscape.
The result of the work of the Wills Gully Conservation Group over the years has been useful as a living laboratory for trapping, weed control, removal and reintroducing native plants. The methods used have been learnt by trial and error. The group welcome any interested people to share this knowledge.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE RICHMOND HILLS WALKING TRAIL MAPS
MAKING DOC200 TRAPSThe DOC200 trap is a humane kill trap for musteides (ferret, stoat and weasel), rats and hedgehogs. Modification of a generic design is the result of practical experience in managing trapping lines and voluntary work for the Department of Conservation. It has been designed to exclude non target species, guide target species and meet public safety guidelines.
Read More
The DOC150 trap is smaller and lighter than the DOC200. It serves the same purpose in that it is a humane kill trap for musteides (ferret, stoat and weasel), rats and hedgehogs.
Read More
The rat tunnel is designed specifically to target rats and mice.
Read More