Trainee Rangers Volunteer at the Sanctuary.

5 Trainee Rangers attended the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Induction session in August. Because the Trainee rangers soon move out of Nelson on placements, taking advantage of the short time they are available as volunteers is advisable and so joining a volunteer team where they can get up and volunteering quickly is the sensible option. Some worked with the Track Cutters Team, but they also joined me, on excursions into the Sanctuary to replace old tracking tunnels. 

The first 2 Fridays we replaced tunnels on G line between Tuatara and Kakariki, and all enjoyed the walk out via Tuatara spur and Koru track despite being laden with packs of wet, old tracking tunnels. Kakariki were spotted on one of the days. 

To give another view of the Sanctuary, the 3rd Friday we replaced tunnels on I and G lines between Toutouwai Spur and UVT. We were all stunned by the beauty of the UVT section of the Sanctuary, the track making skills were admired, the clear pools of Brook Stream begged a warmer day, the wayside rest seats built by Brian were admired and used, and the large podocarps got all working on their plant ID.

I enjoyed the company of the Trainee Rangers, but also thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the UVT, much enhanced by the new track beside the stream which I had not walked before.

Over 3 Fridays we have replaced approx 85 tunnels and brought out even more old tunnels. Thank you Trainee Rangers for your good work and best of luck for success in your course.