Did you know a local volunteer group is working year-round to protect the rare native birds that call the Ashley-Rakahuri River home?
The Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG) is a community-led organisation dedicated to safeguarding braided river bird species along an 18km stretch of river near Rangiora.
Formed in 1999 by locals concerned about declining bird numbers, the group brings together people from many different backgrounds with one shared goal: protecting this globally rare ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.
Volunteers carry out predator trapping, bird monitoring, habitat restoration, research support, and education programmes with schools and community groups. Their work focuses on vulnerable species such as the wrybill, black-fronted tern, and black-billed gull, all of which rely on braided rivers for survival.
The group is currently running a fundraiser to support ongoing conservation work, community members are also welcome to join as free members or volunteers.
Learn more, donate, or get involved at: www.arrg.org.nz/fundraiser/
You can also follow the group on Facebook to see beautiful bird photography by Grant Davey: www.facebook.com/ashleyrivercare
