Rare remnant of Nelson forest open to public
Lindy Kelly
Kelly's Bush is the main feeding ground for kereru in Nelson city.
A rare remnant of lowland forest in Nelson city will be open to the public this Sunday.
Kelly's Bush features pre-European tawa, titoki, matai and other native trees that are home to 18 species of native birds including kereru, kingfisher, morepork and the New Zealand falcon, karearea.
Three species of gecko, giant earthworms, rare fungi and orchids are also found in the seven-hectare stand of bush in Enner Glynn.
Lindy Kelly
Kelly's Bush, a 7-hectare remnant of Nelson lowland forest within the city boundaries, is being opened to the public on November 12.
Owner Lindy Kelly said the bush had been preserved by previous owners the Burrough family for more than 70 years and her family for the past 30. They had cleared and replanted areas bordering the bush to expand the sanctuary that has won environmental awards and was recognised in the Eelco Boswijk civic awards last year.
Kelly also won the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network's individual award this year for her conservation work in the bush.
She said the tawa berries in the bush provided the main food source for kereru in Nelson city and large flocks of the birds gathered to feed.
Lindy Kelly
Tom Lloyd, left, and a friend with some of the giant earthworms found at Kelly's Bush in Enner Glynn.
She said a number of large native land snail (powelliphanta) shells had been found in good condition, suggesting there was still a live population.
More than 1000 people visited the bush on the four open days held each year, and school and community groups also visited. Because the bush was in a working farm permission was required outside of open days.
The Kelly's Bush open day will be held, wet or fine, from 11am to 4pm, at 100 Enner Glynn Rd on Sunday, November 12. Admission is free, no dogs.