Horner’s Donut
Woody the Weed talks to our younger pupils at 'Horner's Donut'
Our pupils were awarded the Richard Henry Conservation Award to Southland schools for their part in this environmental project!
When our students noticed an unusual stand of trees from their school bus windows, they decided to investigate. Their inquiries uncovered a significant remnant stand of kahikatea trees on private land. The trees and surrounding vegetation were rare examples of original Southland Plains forest. Sadly, they were in a state of degradation and so the pupils decided it was time for action.
Since 2007 the students have been working with the landowners to preserve and regenerate the area, which they have nicknamed ‘Horner's Donut’ because of it’s shape and as a tribute to the family who first fenced the trees off to protect them, while learning more about the environment and how their actions can have long-term benefits.
So far, we have mapped the site using GPS, recorded bird song levels (for future comparisons), carried out an ongoing ‘weed-busting’ programme, examined some of the resident bugs, eradicated pests, instigated a QEII covenant for the trees and gathered native seedlings, which we grow in pots at school for replanting at the site. In 2008 we planted over 200 flax bushes to improve shelter and collaborated with education officers from DOC to develop a long term planting plan.
'Horner's Donut' has become an important part of the curriculum at Heddon Bush School. Not only has it provided a wonderful opportunity for meaningful hands-on learning experiences, but it has helped us engender lifelong attitudes towards conservation and sustainability in all our pupils. Furthermore, it has evolved into a wonderfully unique symbol of identity for our school.
With continued cooperation from generous landowners and support from the wider community, the 'Horner's Donut' restoration project will surely go from strength to strength, ultimately providing a special opportunity to preserve the past and create another ‘stepping stone’ across the Southland plains for the transfer of genetic diversity of both flora and fauna. We are delighted that our pupils have had the opportunity to make such a significant contribution to this project.
"I love it at Horner's Donut because we are learning about
Mother Nature. It's awesome!" - Lily D, Year 6
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