We are incredibly fortunate to have Alistair Bull with us. Alistair is not only a skilled ecologist but also a talented web developer and the creator of our Wairau Information Hub | Tāmata.
Al, the spotlight is on you!
What inspired you to become involved in the Wairau Nature Network?
A lifetime of interest in the outdoors and spending time in nature has made me very aware of the impacts on the environment. The Wairau valley is unique with higher rainfall on the Northbank ranges and drier to the south, offering climates and habitats for a diverse range of species. I’m excited to contribute to a future where the catchment is reconnected with native flora and fauna being able to move freely across the landscape.
What’s the biggest environmental challenge you think the Wairau catchment faces right now?
A history of land use change, removing native flora in favour of increased productive land, has led to the loss of much of the birdlife across the catchment, with some species almost disappearing entirely.
Can you share a project or achievement from the network that you are most proud of?
The time spent creating an organisation that has a sustainable, long-term future is important. Our goals looking decades into the future align with the timescales of regeneration. The ongoing collation and creation of information resources on our website for landowners and local groups to help with their restoration projects is a great tool.
I am excited about getting started on planting at our first WNN restoration site at Thomsons Ford Reserve.
How do you see the role of community partnerships in restoring and protecting local ecosystems?
No one person or small group is capable of reaching our goals of increasing biodiversity across the entire catchment. Communities working on their local environment and networking with other groups across the catchment to support and share knowledge and resources are critical to the success of the project.
What is your personal connection to the Wairau area – what makes it so special to you?
Having lived in the Wairau for 20 years, I have explored many corners of the landscape, from the peaks of the Richmond ranges, the beaches and the Wairau River itself while also spending a lot of time in the Marlborough Sounds. I would love to see the bird life we see in the Sounds encouraged back into the Wairau.