Biodiversity
In Aotearoa, the introduction of non-native, invasive species has had an enormous impact on our native wildlife and is a major environmental challenge in conservation.
The only mammals native to New Zealand are three species of bat. Introduced mammals, including possums, rats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels), mice, cats, goats and pigs have decimated our native forest flora and fauna. In freshwaters, introduced fish species such as trout and koi carp, invasive weeds and algae such as didymo all pose a major threat. The populations of many of our native species that evolved in the absence of these introduced predators have dramatically declined since their introduction. Without intervention by conservationists to control pest populations, many of Aotearoa’s native birds, reptiles, fish, insects, other invertebrates and plants would be lost to us forever.
“Biodiversity loss is one of the biggest threats we face, because without biodiversity, the world’s ecological processes (including climate) do not function as well. Biodiversity equals stability for habitats, ecological processes and climate. A less wild world is less able to provide for our needs, less able to provide dependable weather, seasons and sea temperatures and less able to absorb human impacts.”
Flourishing Life on Church Lands
The Anglican Diocese of Auckland created this awesome resource to urge a proactive approach and encouraged ministry units to explore ways in which land under their stewardship could be used to enhance native biodiversity. The information around ecology within this booklet relates specifically to the regions within the diocese – Northland, Auckland and Coromandel. This guide offers a range of suggestions and ideas for the way we manage our grounds and gardens to encourage biodiversity and connection. There are case studies of ministry units to illustrate some of what is already happening in this area and the potential for further action.
Get your church members involved in a local biodiversity or conservation project
Is there a local biodiversity or conservation project in your community that your church could support?
If you’re interested in predator free groups, check out Predator Free NZ’s map of projects.
If you’re interested in ecological restoration groups, check out Nature Space’s directory of community groups.
If you’re interested in beach clean-ups or riparian planting projects, check out Sustainable Coastlines’ list of events.
If you’re interested in support an A Rocha project, find out more about A Rocha local group projects or the Karioi Project - for latest events, check out the A Rocha facebook events page or the Karioi Project facebook events page. A short video on the Karioi Project (made by Patagonia, one of the Karioi Project funders) is shown below.
Start a restoration project
Is there a biodiversity / conservation / restoration project that your church would like to get started on?
Predator Free NZ offers some tips for starting a community predator control project.
Or you could encourage church members to start backyard trapping.
If you’d like to run a beach clean-up event, Sustainable Coastlines has a DIY kit to help get you organised.
Does your church (or church members) own land and would like to start a restoration project on the land? Check out this short video from Terry and Irene Parminter from Paraparaumu sharing with their church how they started a restoration project on their land.
Join a biodiversity citizen science project
Citizen scientists are volunteers who contribute to scientific projects, usually by collecting or analysing data. This would be an easy way to get church members involved in doing their little bit for a larger project. Here are some citizen science projects to explore:
New Zealand Garden Bird Survey - annually in June/July.
The Great Kererū Count - annually in September.
New Zealand Bird Atlas - ongoing for 5 years, started 1 June 2019 until 1 June 2024.
Watch the ‘Fight for the Wild’ documentary series together
'Fight for the Wild' is a four part documentary series that takes viewers into the wild heart of Aotearoa and documents the desperate battle to protect it. It explores the notion of a Predator Free 2050 and asks whether this big, bold initiative is achievable and if so, how?
Plan a birding retreat
A Rocha has created a resource to help you plan a bird-themed retreat day on 8 May (John Stott Memorial Birding Day) or any other day!
Check out this bird identification tool by the NZ Garden Bird Survey to help you identify birds commonly seen around Aotearoa’s gardens, schools and parks. Can't quite work out what is hiding in the trees in your garden? Have a listen to the bird call tracks on the website and see if you can identify your birds this way.
Free Online Courses by the Department of Conservation
Introduction to Natural Heritage - This free online course provides a broad understanding of the fundamentals of biodiversity and DOC’s management approach. This understanding is vital for anyone who works in conservation.
Animal Ecology Course - The Animal Ecology course is a free online course covering the differences between native and introduced animal species, how animals interact with each other, and why long-term predator control is vital.
Bird Identification - The Bird Identification online course will help you identify the 10 New Zealand forest birds most commonly recorded during five minute bird counts.
Wildflower meadows
Sustainable wildflower meadows with predominantly grasses and perennial plants require minimum intervention and are great for biodiversity as they attract insects, birds and micro-organisms. Wildflower meadows would suit areas that are difficult to access, or inefficient to mow, like in between trees, as well as areas with low foot traffic. Is there somewhere around your church that would be suitable for a wildflower meadow?
Read more on this topic:
Meadows: the next big thing in sustainable gardening
Relevant Eco Church stories
