\nEver\nseen a rat in Grafton?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nKeen\nto see fewer of them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCome\nalong to a free short workshop run by DOC rangers for our community:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grafton predator free workshop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n10am\n\u2013 12.30, Saturday 14 March 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rats and other pests threaten the survival of many native species such as w\u0113t\u0101, snails, lizards and birds. They also carry disease and damage our homes \u2013 for example rats chew through electrical wires causing fires, damage insulation and undermine retaining walls with their borrows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grafton residents Krista Ferguson and Dianne Northcott have been inspired by the aims of Predator Free New Zealand and Auckland initiatives to investigate a way to reduce these pests in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Krista\nsays, \u201cWe\u2019ve had rats in our backyard and our attic, and I\nregularly see them on neighbouring properties, by the pavilion in the\nDomain and by the rail tracks. I\u2019m keen to see the numbers reduced\nto encourage more birdlife.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dianne\nsays, \u201cLiving near our parks, I often see rats and hear the possums\nat night. Even with Council and park staff efforts, I realise this is\nnot enough to sort the problem for Grafton. I have to get involved\nand we need the efforts of our neighbours too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To\nhelp us the Department of Conservation and Auckland Council have\nagreed to run this practical trapping skills workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll\nbe introduced to a range of trapping tools to target possums, rats\nand other pests. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nworkshop is short, free and no prior experience is required. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Says\nDianne, \u201cI love the potential that predator trapping offers us to\nwork together to help both native species and ourselves. Even if you\nare not able to trap, there are lots of other ways people can help a\ncommunity pest-free programme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come along to learn how to catch unwelcome critters \u2013 and enjoy some morning tea with other Grafton trappers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n