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Hedgehope tamariki lead ambitious restoration project

Ayla attends Hedgehope Primary School where the students are engaged in restoration and artwork projects at Sherwood Forest, a rare flood plain remnant dominated by giant matai, in Tussock Creek.

For the past two years, the students have immersed themselves in the forest with activities like pest control, native tree identification, stream studies, and a Bioblitz - a species-finding exercise. The fieldwork and data collection from these activities helped the students gain an holistic view of the complexity of the natural environment and to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and ecosystems.

Hedgehope Primary School students and Environment Southland senior education advisor Josh Sullivan, enjoy a day filled with learning and activities at Sherwood Forest.

They have collaborated with local artists to co-produce artworks inspired by their experiences in the forest. These vibrant creations, including a large-scale sculpture representation of Matamata, the beloved ‘pet’ Taniwha of Te Rakitauneke, will soon adorn the school's boundary fence for the wider community to enjoy.

The school’s principal, Sue Rogers emphasises that the restoration project perfectly aligns with the school's curriculum and Enviroschool’s focus on the well-being of the whole school, community and ecosystem.

“As a rural Enviroschool, we are fortunate to have the support of private land ownership in Sherwood Forest, allowing us to conduct the two-year restoration project. The insights gained from the Enviroschools Action Learning Cycle have guided us in shaping the project and bringing everything together.”

Students have been working alongside staff from the Hokonui Rūnanga to hear stories about this forest. It helps them to understand their place in the world and to gain a perspective of how local Māori value and respect their natural environment, Sue says.

Hokonui Rūnanga educator, Rodney Trainor, says the time spent with students in Sherwood Forest helped them to understand the significance of the site and the wider Makarewa and Mataura catchments.

“It was intriguing to witness the growth and development of the children, from initially being frightened of picking up an insect to fearlessly dismantling logs with whatever tools are available to them.”

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