CONSERVATION

Island Hills Station have made a commitment to low input free-range farming while protecting and enhancing nature. The farm includes a vast nature park of mountain, shrub and forest covering 3,300ha under non-grazing covenant, which includes a 600-hectare QE II Open Space Covenant, the largest of its type in the Canterbury district. This area is known as the Mandamus Preservation Reserve. To protect the trees and shrubs, introduced possums, deer and pigs must be minimised.

New Zealand’s unique native birds are vulnerable to attack from introduced predators such as wasps, stoats and rats which need regular removal. Even pest animals deserve a humane death so “instant kill” traps and fast acting bait stations are used. Invasive weeds such as gorse, broom and wilding conifers are also on the target list. The downside to pest and weed control is that it requires a lot of traps, baits, spray, monitoring and labour to make it all work.

Your entry fee truly makes a difference. All proceeds from Skedaddle are reinvested into biodiversity for the Mandamus Preservation Reserve by the Mandamus Reserve Charitable Trust with the long term goal being to one day reintroduce Aotearoa’s most iconic native bird, the kiwi.

You can make a donation in addition to your race entry fee or you can make a $20 contribution at any time via the link below.

If you are feeling extra generous then you can donate a Stoat or Ferret Trap, which will include your name.