With literally a lifetime living and working in National Parks Graeme has a passion for nature and wild landscapes, and a broad range of experience in nature conservation. After 25 years working in conservation, Graeme recently returned to University to complete a Masters in Forestry Science specialising in weed ecology and restoration ecology. Graeme has the technical skills to carry out Ecological Assessments, develop Biodiversity Restoration Plans and implement Restoration Plans.
Monitoring vegetation changes in a Canterbury Plains kanuka remnant
In recent years Graeme has assisted the Dept of Conservation with monitoring threatened plant species in Marlborough, monitoring nesting success of braided river birds in the Rangitata, and weed control in the fragile Hakatere ephemeral wetlands (exotic sedges and rushes).
Weed control in the fragile Hakatere wetlands
On privately owned sites with highly sensitive indigenous flora, Graeme has recently been controlling banana passionfruit, Clematis vitalba, gorse, broom, blackberry, grey willow and other weeds. Weeds are easy enough to kill but in order to protect the special indigenous values of a place, it is often necessary to be able to distinguish between the weed and the native .e.g. banana passionfruit and the native passion-vine. It’s also necessary to have and be willing to use a broad range of tools to get the best results while minimising collateral damage or eliminating it altogether.
banana passionfruit cut and painted!
native passion-vine alive and well vs.