Weekly Wednesday Working bees - we'd love to see you there
Where: See facebook.com/groups/FriendsOfLeRoysBush or the weekly email to registered volunteers or ring 021-240-9414
When: Working bees run from 9am to 11am - usually followed by coffee nearby
What to bring and wear: See below for details. If you don't have your own tools, please let us know in advance
If it's wet: See Facebook site for cancellation or postponement - facebook.com/groups/FriendsOfLeRoysBush
If you'd like to take part in these working bees, please email LeRoysBush@gmail.com and we'll include you on the reminder list.
Please check out the following notes:
KAURI DIEBACK PRECAUTIONS: to avoid the risk of spreading kauri dieback microspores, please
scrub all dirt off your boots/shoes, clothes and gardening tools at home using hot water and detergent;
tip the water down the sewer NOT down stormwater drains
use the cleaning station or the sterigene bottles to spray your footwear and tools when you arrive and when you leave
bag any dirty footwear or tools when you leave - take them home and repeat the cleaning as above
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR:
Please wear good clean boots, gardening gloves, and long-sleeved shirt and trousers.
By the way - please don't think you'll get by with short sleeved shirt and no gloves - we sometimes work near pampas grass, gahnia and other cutty grasses
Please bring gardening gloves, clean folding saw, and/or secateurs (if you have them)
If you don't, please contact us the night before so we can get what you need. (Email LeRoysBush@gmail.com)
For your personal comfort: water bottle, sun screen, hat (and maybe insect repellent if you are troubled by such things - most of us don't use it)
For safety, we recommend you wear your glasses or have some form of eye protection and that you always work within talking distance of at least one other person
To contact others if you get separated or injured, please carry your mobile phone - please make sure the team leader(s) have your number
UNDERSTANDING THE GOOD PLANTS and the PEST PLANTS
If you are not confident in your knowledge of plants, please buddy up with someone who is
Ask for a copy of the Forest & Bird Weed Control Guide - it gives a list of most of the common weeds you'll see in local bush reserves and how to control them - see the link on the web page https://www.pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz/pest-plant-resources
It's suggested that you load the iNaturalist.nz app on your phone - this can help you identify plants, birds, insects etc online
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Your safety is our priority. And we are obliged to follow Health & Safety procedures. We are also keen that you feel comfortable with the work you do - so that you enjoy it and want to come back.
Please ensure that you follow all COVID-19 precautions when they apply (depending on the alert level, keep 2 metres distance from others and don't share tools, bottles etc and wear a mask if in close proximity to others and observe any other COVID requirements). If you suspect you have COVID or any other transmissible illness, please stay at hom.
Before coming on an event, to help us comply with Health and Safety requirements, please email us with your name, address, phone number, next of kin contact details and any health conditions that may be relevant to the work being undertaken (Email LeRoysBush@gmail.com)
When you arrive at an event, please contact the leader(s) and ensure they have your mobile phone number, next-of-kin name and mobile phone number.
In all circumstances, only undertake work you feel comfortable with.
If you have any health issues, please let the leader know.
When you leave an event, please let the leader(s) know; or if you can't see them, please text or email so they know you are safe.
You should be aware that all weed control work may include risks around slippery ground, wasps, sudden holes in the ground, sharp sticks and leaves.
Ensure that you are wearing suitable eyewear, footwear, gloves and clothing to protect against accidents.
If you are not an experienced gardener in rough and sloping conditions, you must ask the project leader for training and advice.
We follow the Pest Free Kaipatiki Health and Safety policy - all accidents, near misses and hazards must be reported using the PFK Accident, Incident and Near Miss Register form.
Contact Andrew on 0210-497-523 or Keith on 021-240-9414 for more details of an event or if you can't find the group when you arrive on the day.
We encourage you to also join Pest Free Kaipatiki Restoration Society - see the Pest Free Kaipatiki registration form