The Wigram East Retention Basin

Description
wigram1.jpg - 8713 Bytes The Retention Basin is located adjacent to the Heathcote River and has been purposely built to hold back large storm flows into this river. The pond was constructed in 1994.
wigram2.jpg - 22468 Bytes Already native bush and riparian plants have become well established and birds are colonising the area. The area has a delightful wilderness appearance that tends to be more associated with the country.

Heathcote River 1998

Points of Access:
From either Warren Crescent or Templeton Road, both off Halswell Road.

Best Times To Visit:
A fine day.

Educational Opportunities:

  • Bird life - native, migratory and introduced species The paradise duck, grey duck, scaup, shoveler, mallard, South Island oyster catcher, spur-winged plover, white faced heron, little cormorant, pukeko, coot, black-backed gull, red-billed gull, black-billed gull, and the welcome swallow are commonly seen in the area.
  • Stream Habitat Assessment Refer to the section Stream Health Investigation

    Health and Safety Information:

  • No public toilets
  • Do not swim or play in the Wigram East Retention Basin. Water flows through an industrial area upstream.
  • Do not disturb nesting birds between August and December. If birds appear distressed such as flying at people, broken wing display, calling loudly and continuously, move the students away until the birds settle.
  • Dress for the weather.

    Recreational Opportunities

  • A large area of grass suitable for games

    Information References:
    Birdlife of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary and Rivers, and their margins / by Andrew C. Crossland. Christchurch [N.Z.] : Dept. of Conservation, [1993]
    Identification guide to New Zealand birds : full colour pocket guide and wall chart / Drawings: Avis Acres; text: Brian Ellis. [Wellington : Hicks Smith, 1975].
    The field guide to the birds of New Zealand / Barrie D. Heather & Hugh A. Robertson ; illustrated by Derek J. Ongley. Auckland, N.Z. : Penguin, 1996.
    Handbook of common New Zealand birds / F.C. Kinsky and C.J.R. Robertson ; illustrations by Janet Marshall. Auckland [N.Z.] : Reed Methuen, 1987.
    The life-size guide to native trees and other common plants of New Zealand's native forest / Crowe, Andrew. Auckland, N.Z.: Penguin, 1997.
    Which native forest plant? : a simple guide to the identification of New Zealand native forest shrubs, climbers and flowers / Andrew Crowe ; [illustrations by Sandra Parkkali ; photographs by Andrew Crowe].
    New Zealand waterplants : a guide to plants found in New Zealand freshwaters / B.T. Coffey and J.S. Clayton.
    Guide to the aquatic insects of New Zealand / Michael J. Winterbourn and Katharine L.D. Gregson.

    These books can be loaned or requested from the Canterbury Public Library.

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