About the Trust
The Trust was established in 2014 after local landowners realised the impact introduced predators were having on the lower Hollyford Valley – the birdsong had gone, and the canopy was collapsing.
With initial support from the Department of Conservation, the locals decided they wanted to do something to bring back the birds and restore the bush.
We are proud to have the support of the Department of Conservation, iwi, visitors and the many people and organisations who have and continue to contribute to our ongoing efforts.
Our objectives are:
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To actively protect and enhance native flora and fauna in harmony with cultural, social and recreational values at Whakatipu Waitai/Martins Bay, lower Hollyford Valley, and in other areas that the Trust agrees to for the benefit of the community.
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To advocate for the recognition and respect of cultural history and heritage values in the Fiordland region.
The Hollyford Conservation Trust is extremely grateful for the support of all sponsors, benefactors and partners. If you would like to know more about our trust or think you can help please email us.
The initial plan was 2600 hectares of sustained predator control, targeting stoats, rats and possums. By August 2015 the Trust had established the infrastructure for Stage One of the project, a network of traps and bait stations set on a grid over a 900 hectare portion of the 2600 hectare project area.
In March 2016 the Trust completed Stage Two, which extended intensive predator control measures over the remainder of the 2600 hectare project area.
In July 2021, Jobs for Nature funding initiated a project expansion. Work began on extending stoat control out across a larger 12,000 hectare project area. This work has now been completed with new track lines created across the Hokau/Sara Hills and Pine-rua/May Hills, and predator control now extends from the Kaipo River north towards Big Bay.
From 2016 until the present day the Trust has upgraded the predator control network, completed frequent trap checks and bait station refills, including responding to mast year events, conducted weed control, and reintroduced the previously locally extinct species, kakaruai/South Island robin (April 2019). The trustees are constantly reviewing best practice predator control and collaborating with others to raise the necessary funds to protect this treasured corner of Fiordland.
A big thanks to our major sponsors
Keen to volunteer?
The Trust welcomes volunteers to contribute to the Hollyford Conservation Trust. Volunteers must have a high level of fitness and be competent and experienced with backcountry travel, as well as experience and skill operating all traps and bait stations. Preference is also given to volunteers with track cutting experience.
There is vegetation clearing/track maintenance on our network of over 350km of lightly marked bait station and trapping lines, as well as other projects as they arise such as replacing traps, weed control, bait station work and general maintenance.
Accommodation in Martins Bay would be provided. This is an amazing opportunity to visit a remote and beautiful part of Fiordland and contribute to a successful predator control project.
We acknowledge the work already undertaken by volunteers on our project. Thank you for your time, your boundless energy and your passion.
If you are keen to help us out, please email us.
