Bush Telegraph - December 2023

From the manager

Our good news this month was a successful funding grant from the Lotteries Environment and Heritage Fund.

$95,000 has been donated to cover the cost of the replacement irrigation system and fire protection upgrade.

Funding is becoming harder and harder to obtain and with this in mind we have split the Bush Enhancement project into two stages. Stage 1 will be the removal of the concrete paths and boardwalk and the installation of the new wider and more accessible board walk.

The whole project has been costed at $2.4 M, but we will make a start on the replacement paths, boardwalk and irrigation next autumn, once we reach $1M. We have already raised $500,000 so we are almost halfway.

If you can suggest any funding sources or anyone who wants to help me with fundraising, services or products please give me a call.

Season’s Greetings and warmest wishes from the Riccarton Bush Trust team to our local and wider community.

Thank you for your continued support.

What's happening in the bush

The plot thickens with our pesky pigeon problem.

You may have noticed an increase in numbers recently. We currently have some pigeons fitted with GPS units to track their movements, this is to assist with a master’s student thesis and will no doubt provide insight for governing bodies to try and control the numbers regionally. As a result of the GPS units (each costing about $2000) we have had to stop our control efforts.

We had quite a bit of tree damage in the October winds and have had our tree crew out to do some serious pruning. Ared oak had to be removed due to its poor declining health. In the new year two of the older pear trees will be fenced off and the surrounding ground mulched. They are starting to fail and we need to protect them as much as we can from disturbance.

What's happening in the grounds‍

We had quite a bit of tree damage in the October winds and have had our tree crew out to do some serious pruning. Ared oak had to be removed due to its poor declining health. In the new year two of the older pear trees will be fenced off and the surrounding ground mulched. They are starting to fail and we need to protect them as much as we can from disturbance.

What's happening in the house

In November we had the House and Deans Cottage wash down and the rooves treated for moss. We have now completed all of our scheduled maintenance work.

You may notice an elephant has taken up residence in front of the house. We are participating in the Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant trail from 25 November through till 18 February and supporting Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. There will be 30 elephants displayed through streets, parks and public spaces.

Books for sale

Letters to My Grandchildren ($20.00): 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

House Tours will take a break from Friday 22 December and will restart on Sunday 7 January 2024.

Our summer tour offering features hour-long tours six days a week from Sunday to Friday at 11.00 am and 2.00pm. Group tours are heavily discounted, and we also run private tours and school groups by prior arrangement.

Bookings are essential: www.riccartonhouse.co.nz

Tour prices: Adults $20.00, Seniors $16.00, Students, $13.00, children $5.00, under-5 free.

Bush tours are now available by appointment only. Learn about the natural and cultural histories of Canterbury’s only remaining Kahikatea floodplain forest, find out about past and current management practices, and experience the sights and sounds of our native flora and fauna.

All funds raised will contribute to the bush enhancement project. Contact Tracey via tracey@riccartonhouse.co.nz for more information and availability.

Christmas Carols at Riccarton Bush Putaringamotu.

Date: Sunday 10thDecember 2023, Time: 6.30pm

Donations being collected for the City Mission.

Hosted by Riccarton - Spreydon Anglican Parish, St Martin's and St James. Music: Addington Brass.

Notice Board

Dog Control:

We are starting to get busy. Lots of oldies, youngies and not so mobile visitors. If you and your dog are coming for a visit please use a lead. We want the Grounds to be a place where people feel safe. We also have rat bait stations around the property so it is safer to have your dogs on a lead.

The Quarters cafe at Riccarton House

We are open six days a week. Our Summer hours are Monday – Friday 8.30am – 3.30 pm. and Sundays 9.00 am –4.00pm (Closed Saturdays for the Farmers Market).

We will close on Friday 22nd December and reopen on Friday 5 January 2024.

Enjoy delicious seasonal lunch dishes, award winning wine and ales and in beautiful dining space as well as tranquil rose courtyard and veranda seating with gorgeous Riverview.

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: info@thequarters.co.nz

Website: thequarters.co.nz