Norfolk Island Flora & Fauna Society 2022 wrap up

The members of our group work quietly to uphold the environmental values of Norfolk and the surrounding islands. A healthy environment is the basis for ongoing cultural practices, enjoyment of the island’s beauty and underpins our single industry, tourism. Scientific researchers are discovering more and more species which are endemic to Norfolk

Protection of the enormous number of species unique to Norfolk, (Plants, Birds, Insects, Fish, Coral, Algae, Nudibranchs and more) is all important to maintain this unique ecosystem. A system which is in a fragile balance with the ever-diminishing forest patches. There may even be a remnant population of an entire species living in a single tree, or small patch of forest.

Most of us love the forest, the ocean and the magical vistas around Norfolk, and some even realise that without protecting all the parts, we risk losing essential elements that support the whole system. But taking that a step further is where we aim to be.

We see it and enjoy it, we are affected on many levels by the peace of green vistas against blue seas as a backdrop to soaring white birds, and they inspire in us songs and poems, dances and music. But the protection of these assets with which Norfolk Island is blessed, means learning about the interconnectedness of all things in the ecosystem, rolling up our sleeves, and doing work in the earth. It also means keeping a watchful eye on ever-changing official Plans which may have a negative impact on the things we cherish. We need to be prepared to stand up, speak out, write the submission and take action to protect what we hold dear. We need to retain a respectful dialogue with Governments at all (both) levels, until our concerns are not heard.

If any of this resonates with you, please come along and be involved. Your skills might not be immediately obvious in relation to our needs, but there’s a chance they will be. Sometimes the diggers and weeders and planters need someone to just organise a cuppa; maybe you have skills with websites and could assist with ours. You will learn things about our island home, and you might have something to teach us as well.

We’re also conscious that so much of what we know, learn and observe needs to be captured and handed on to future generations, so they don’t have to start over again to gain that knowing. We must have Succession Planning for this to be realised.

And so it was a great pleasure for us to bring together many of the aspects mentioned above, when, last Sunday afternoon, members and friends of the F&F Society gathered for the unveiling of two signs, which we hope will help save the lives of some of the island’s Ghostbirds, (or Wedgetailed shearwaters as they are known elsewhere).

Where the clifftop comes close to the road at the Headstone end of 100 Acres Reserve, many Ghostbirds are run over by cars each year as they fly ashore, landing in walking distance to their burrows within the Reserve, bringing the food their chicks have been waiting for all day. They are dark grey, and not easy to see in the dark, and after many expressions of concern, and 3 years of correspondence, design and delays, this project has come to fruition. With permission and assistance from NIRC, design by F&F member Richard Kirkwood (including much debate), the signs warning drivers of the possibility of sea birds landing on the road, are now in place.

The unveiling was undertaken by Tara Patel, representing NIRC, and Hiva Tuki-Grube.

Hiva is only 10, but he’s absolutely fascinated with birds and photographs them at every opportunity. In a demonstration of the values we embody in F&F, Hiva has taken action to assist the Norfolk environment. He produced a series of cards, with his paintings of endemic bird species, and when his first print run was sold, presented 1/3 of his profits to the Flora & Fauna Society for our use. We couldn’t think of anything more suited to this donation than to put it towards these signs which should directly save bird lives. We’re grateful to Hiva’s Mum Natalie for guiding him along this path with an appreciation for nature, acceptance that all is not well, and most importantly Taking Action using his available talents and skills to do something that can help making things right again.

A delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed following the unveiling; an enjoyable relaxed catch up after a busy year of action for the protection of the Norfolk Island environment.

Thanks to Tara and Phil at NIRC for helping this through; Richard for his design work, and to the men of the Argentine Ant team for putting the signs in place.

We wish everyone a Joyful, Healthy and Happy Christmas Season, allowing some time to Reflect and Count our many Blessings.

The first meeting in 2023 will be on Monday 13 February, at 6.00pm at the A&H Hall.