LPC together with a number of the log exporter companies have funded trail cameras for pest and biodiversity monitoring for three schools in the harbour.  Diamond Harbour School was the first to receive two cameras. The high-tech infrared motion detection cameras were installed at Diamond Harbour as part of their Enviro Day.

The Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour Programme Manager Brent Barrett ran an immersive class for a group of students with the help of LPC Environment and Sustainability Advisor Charlotte Jones.  They installed trail cameras to monitor wildlife in the native planting area near the school field.

Charlotte Jones says this is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the ecosystem in the ‘forest’, the school’s native planting area.

“The cameras take a series of photos when movement is detected, so they will be able to see the different animals that use the same trail in both day and night.” said Charlotte.

“Students were very excited to see what the cameras would capture, and they discussed how they would use the data to understand the impact of biodiversity and conservation.”

“The students showed great creativity and curiosity in finding the best spots to observe the animals. They named the cameras and hid them in the bush so well that even the programme manager could not see them. They took turns pressing the buttons and checking the angles and settings,” she said.

Charlotte said that it was a great initiative for the Log Exporters Group to support which she hoped would deepen the students’ interest and awareness in the environment.

Thanks to Forest Management, Laurie Forestry and PF Olsen for their donation.