Year 12 Agriculture Trip to Wetlands at Spar Bush 

As part of the Level 2 Agriculture course, we are investigating and reporting on the environmental impacts of the production of a locally produced primary product. To thoroughly complete this 4-credit internal assessment we need to go and personally visit farmers and look at the environmental efforts they have been involved in to improve the water quality in their area.

The focus of their internal assessment and written report is to look at the environmental impacts of farming on the water, soil and living organisms and be able to see in action what farmers are doing to mitigate any environmental impact and the effectiveness of these processes. We have this amazing opportunity to visit wetlands at Spars Bush and help to plant native plants amongst the wetlands. 

Details 

Date: Wednesday 12th June 2024 

Time: 8.50am meeting at the Kumagaya Gates  Return: 10.30am  

Transport: Southland Girls minivan and the Enwood School Van 

Clothing: Mufti, gumboots and clothing that can get dirty as we are going to be planting trees on the Macphersons farm. 

Costs: $5 

Venue: Gavin and Terri Macpherson, 69 Waianiwa Spar Bush Road 

 This event contains risks, including slipping into the wetland, slipping while using the spade to plant the native trees and using fertiliser in the holes where trees are to be planted. This event is managed by school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of the risks, and all risks will be outlined to the students before entering the paddock by the farmers. I will also have a first aid kit with me at all times in case of an injury. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be eliminated. Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value. If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions, feel free to contact Mel Young 03 2116030 or melanie.young@southlandgirls.school.nz

It is important for safety reasons that students follow instructions given to them by all staff and follow all appropriate school rules. Behaviour by students that is deemed dangerous and puts themselves and/or others at undue risk will result in the parents/caregivers being called to collect their child and not being able to participate in future Agriculture field trips.