New Zealand / Regional

Trapping campaign paving way for predator-proof fence

10:02 am on 6 January 2014

More than 26,000 pests have been destroyed as part of an intensive trapping campaign at a Nelson sanctuary.

Volunteers at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary have spent the past eight years clearing the area of goats, stoats, possums, rats, deer and more.

A predator-proof fence is planned, creating a wildlife sanctuary on the edge of the city. Spokesperson Bryan Hardie Boys said more volunteers are needed to help with the trapping project

The 14km fence is expected to take about 15 months to complete.

Mr Hardie Boys said another $1 million is needed.

The sanctuary hopes to meet its fund-raising target by the end of the summer, which would allow construction to start on the fence next winter.