Bush Telegraph - April 2024

From the manager

Raising funds for the Bush Enhancement Project is still our major focus. We have raised over $500,000 which is halfway to us starting Stage 1. It was originally our intent to start work this Autumn, but fundraising has been a lot harder than anticipated and we can’t really start the project until we have secured all the funding.

As a recap Stage 1 includes replacing the concrete paths and boardwalk with a boardwalk that is wider and safer for our able and not so able visitors; upgrading the fire and irrigation system to preserve the Bush for our future generations and improving the entrance to make the Bush more easily accessible. If you do know of any funding sources or anyone who wants to offer services or products, please give me a call.

We had a wonderful weekend with the pipe band competition in early February and they have booked in next year for the 21 and 22 February.

What's happening in the bush

Mike the Ranger (with help) has made an additional 100 rat traps to improve our predator control efforts. Approximately half of these are hidden in the house grounds, so please ensure dogs are on a leash. After a 6-month hiatus due to a university study our feral pigeon control is again underway. It was astonishing to see how quickly populations increased during the ceasefire and the increase in excrement on the tracks. It really goes to show how important our culling efforts are. As a reminder, the feral pigeons are controlled for the following reasons: Crown damage in the slow growing Kahikatea trees as they ‘crash land’ in their thousands. Their excrement is up to a foot thick in areas and is causing the soil to become more acidic – a cause of concern for soil dwelling invertebrates and natural soil systems. Their excrement can cause health concerns for staff and visitors. The numbers pose a threat to native biodiversity – competing for food, habitat, nesting sites etc.

We have a new casual Ranger’s Assistant, Bethany is a student at the University of Canterbury and will be helping with tasks such as weeding, pest control, nursery work and grounds maintenance. If you see her out and about, be sure to say hi.

What's happening in the grounds‍

The winter clean-up has started, and Alan is busy moving plants. Alan has planted another 400 spring bulbs so the place will be popping in the spring. You may have noticed new labels on some of our older trees (see the Coastal Redwood image). We are developing a tree trail, with information about our special trees on a new sign and on our website.

What's happening in the house

Early in the year we did a massive clean of the inside of the house. Shona’s washing machine proved its worth with over 12 loads of pillowcases, bedspreads, and net curtains washed. With winter approaching we will start refurbishing furniture and reupholstering several of our tired and worn chairs.

We have several exciting school holiday events coming up: Mini Explorer: Guided tours of Riccarton House (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12.00pm – 12.30pm). No bookings necessary. Christchurch City Libraries: Story Walk (Thursday 18th April 10.00am – 1.00pm)

‍Books for sale

Letters to My Grandchildren ($20.00): The perfect Christmas gift, this book was first published by the Riccarton Bush Trust back in 1923 with subsequent editions in 1971 and 1995. In late 2018 we published a fourth edition. The enhancements include a larger font, over 100 pictures, maps and drawings, two family trees and a timeline to provide context to the reader.

Riccarton and the Deans Family ($25.00): This beautifully illustrated book is an insightful and enjoyable read about the Deans family. The perfect coffee table book was written by Joanna Orwin, 2015.

‍Tours

Our Guides have been flat out with tours over the summer months, taking locals and international visitors alike in and around Riccarton House and Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush to discover their hidden secrets.

We have welcomed three new Guides onto the team, Bex, Tina and Mary. They have all come from previous teaching, and children’s entertainment roles, and as such have picked up the Deans’ story with finesse. We look forward to seeing them flourish in their roles.

Bookings:

Guided Heritage Tours run every Sunday – Friday with 11.00am and 2.00pm tours. Tours are one hour long, please allow up to ninety (90) minutes. Bookings are essential.

Sunday tours: We have a dedicated Guide onsite every Sunday at 11.00am and 2.00pm. Pop in 10 minutes beforehand to go on a tour (if capacity allows). Adults: $20.00 Seniors: $16.00 Students: $13.00 Family pass $40.00 (2 x adults, 2 x children)

Notice Board

Dog Control:

Despite a by-law requiring dogs to be on a lead we are still having a problem with people coming in with dogs not on a lead and a number of these are locals. Gardeners and dog poo aren’t a good mix and if your dog is off the lead, it’s hard to see where they poo. Please use a lead. We want the Grounds to be a place where people and staff feel safe. The Council is very good at following up on any unleashed dogs on the property and will take action.

The Quarters cafe at Riccarton House

We are open six days a week.

Our Winter Hours are Monday – Friday 9.00am - 3.30pm. and Sundays 9.00 am – 4.00pm (Closed Saturdays for the Farmers Market).

Enjoy delicious seasonal lunch dishes, award winning wines and ales and in beautiful dining space as well as tranquil rose courtyard and veranda seating with gorgeous river views. Also open for private dining, anniversary dinners, weddings, corporate hosting, memorial services and more.

Contact Details for restaurant bookings or private event enquiries:

Phone: 03 348 6190

Email: events@thequarters.co.nz
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Website: thequarters.co.nz