Bush Telegraph - July 2023

From the manager

Our major focus is on raising funds for the Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush Enhancement Project. Come and have a look at the banners on the veranda at the Cottage or look on our website for details. The whole project has been costed at $2.4M but we could make a start on the replacement paths, boardwalk and irrigation once we reach $1M and we've already raised $400,000. If you want to donate, please do so on our website. If you know of any funding sources, want to donate goods or services, or are an expert in fundraising, please give me a call.

Our visitor numbers continue to increase. Last year we had over 2000 pupils from years 1-13 and tertiary students visit on organised Bush tours. A considerable number more children and young adults made up the 70,000 visitors that passed through the Bush last year.

We said farewell to Prof. David Norton who retired from the Trust and moved to Hawea. David was an integral part of our Bush Enhancement Project, and we thank him for all of the support he provided to the Board and Staff over the 8 years he was a Board Member. Dr. Justin Morgenroth has been appointed to the role. Justin is an urban forester and associate professor at the University of Canterbury and will bring a wealth of knowledge.

Following Anita Faulkner’s retirement, Tracey Kitchingman has joined the Team as our new Visitor Experience Coordinator. Tracey has already made her mark and you will have noticed the increased social media activity. Tracey is also working on setting up a boutique gift shop, so watch this space.

What's happening in the bush and grounds

Late last year a full audit of health and safety was carried out on every tree in the Grounds, this happens every four years. The winter clean-up has started and Alan is busy moving plants. It is an odd winter – the grounds are sodden but to date we have had only one frost. We have started mulching around the larger trees to help maintain their health. The bush gates have been playing up lately. They have been repaired, and hopefully will last until we install the new ones as part of the Enhancement Project.

What's happening in the house

Over the winter months we will focus on getting all of the furniture checked and repaired. As we're repainting the interior window frames and sills, we will carry out touch up painting. We will then move onto the spring clean when all the linen is checked and washed.

We have just had the chimneys cleaned. Fun fact, ours is the second tallest in Christchurch behind the Great Hall at the Art Centre.

We are introducing Storytimes at Riccarton House, every Friday, starting from Friday 7th July at 10.30- 11am (Riccarton House will be closed for Matariki - Friday 14th July, storytime will be postponed to Thursday 13th July).

Bring your tamariki (aimed at pre-school children, older siblings welcome) and enjoy some local stories in the historic Morning Room. Gold coin koha. No booking required. First come first served.

Bonus for the adults, purchase any large coffee and receive a free fluffy from our friends at The Quarters!

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.

The Quarters cafe at Riccarton House

We are open six days a week. Our Winter Hours are Monday – Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm. 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: info@thequarters.co.nz

Tours

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

Book online

After 8 years at maintaining tour prices at the same level we have had to increase them slightly to help cover our costs.

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

Noticeboard

Dog Control - 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. Please also note, that dogs are not allowed in the market area.

Rats - We are looking to do our bit for the goal of a predator free New Zealand and to do this we need to act locally. If you are interested in having a rat trap in your backyard let us know. The Ranger is offering to provide a handmade rat trap box and some handy hints for effective rat and mouse control all for a donation to help cover costs. By having traps out in the community, we hope that it will take some pressure off the bush and will allow native species to spread out and flourish in our community. These traps are pet friendly and very easy to use.

If you are interested in getting one or want further information, please contact our Ranger, Mike, via email: ranger@riccartonhouse.co.nz

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