NATURES PLACE

Living Art is a fledgling wildlife sanctuary set on 7 hectares within Tauranga city in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, the land being purchased by Mark and Caroline Paterson in November of 1995.

The land is a natural bowl lying on the Southern edge of the city, The eastern side of the site contained the tailings from a native timber sawmill, operating from 1927 - 1969. The northern face had been used as a pumice quarry and the flat land at the base was a poorly reclaimed swamp, all covered in regrowth of Exotic Invaders ( Acacias, Gorse, Blackberry). 12 months of clearing scrub and work on drainage left us with a blank canvas on which to "Paint" using nature as our medium.

During this work we were surprised at the amount of native wildlife that had managed to survive the previous uncaring commercial activities on the land, Copper Skinks, Giant and Banded Kokopu , Koura (Freshwater crayfish), Dragonflies, Grey Warblers, Shining Cuckoo nesting each year, Wetas, other insects and Freshwater crustaceans living in the steeper areas that earthmoving machinery couldn't access. The stream and Fernery areas were the first to be replanted with to date over 6,000 native and selected exotic plants now in place.

Living in cities, our busy lifestyles and the cost of travel have led to a lack of time for families interacting with nature. We hope Living Art will in the future become a self sustaining activity so a charitable trust and preservation covenants can be put in place to protect the property for future generations enjoyment. We intend this trust to help preserve the genetic stock of threatened species and foster an awareness of preservation of natural habitats.

Natures Place.
Nature has so many benefits, for all of us to share
But do we really notice, are we unaware
That conscious responsibility needs to be revived
To appreciate the value,
the beauty before our eyes
As each and every one of us has the ability
to plant a seed
Giving back to nature, the chance for to succeed
The concept that we aim for,
is to establish and create
Apeaceful sanctuary so that we can relate
That which is important, being to live in harmony
With the animals and birds
In surroundings where they feel free
Interacting with the species
Letting future generations realise
Just what we can accomplish
If we just take the time to try

CAROLINE PATERSON.

If the people won't go to "Tane" (Nature),

then we will bring "Tane" to the people.

LIVING ART - Mandarin Duck from China

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