Park Ranger

Twelve nature loving kids headed to Shakespear Park on 2nd December to learn about what goes on in the park. We were met by Winston from SOSSI (Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated). Winston told us that there are three main activities in Shakespear Park - Conservation, Farming and Recreation. He gave us a map and some instructions, and each group had to follow their trail and find their way to the Woolshed. Along the way we needed to look out for signs of conservation, farming and recreation. We also needed to see how many birds we could spot or hear, and think about what could improve the park for the future.

CONSERVATION: We looked at the predator proof fence - it needs to be high enough to stop cats climbing over (it has a special 'roof' at the top so cats can't get over), and the mesh needs to be small enough so that mice can't get through. There are lots of pest traps by the fence, and there were people checking the fence to make sure there were no holes. There are gates to let people and cars in but to stop pests. Why do we need to keep pests out of Shakespear Park? To protect our native birds and trees, because these pests can eat birds eggs, hunt birds, damage trees, eat food that our native animals need. Some kids spotted pest traps as they were walking - there is meat as bait in some, and pretend eggs in others. Some even had dead pests inside them - eww! But good to know that they are doing their job.

There are also cleaning stations to clean your shoes as you enter the bush areas - to stop kauri dieback.

We heard and saw lots of birds - tui, kereru, piwakawaka, pukeko, tieke (saddleback), robins, thrush, bellbirds. They seem very happy to live in such a nice place that is free from pests!

FARMING: We saw lots of sheep on the farm. Shakespear Park has been a farm for a long time. People can learn about farming by visiting Shakespear Park. We got to see the woolshed and an old wool press.

RECREATION: What a great place to have fun. How do YOU use Shakespear Park? We had fun exploring the waterfall, the old WWII pill box, the Picture Frame, the lookout. We had a picnic morning tea as we were exploring. We saw people camping, jogging, cycling. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful park in our area for us and for our wildlife. Thank you SOSSI for making sure it gets better and better each year!