There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
INVASIVE SPECIES
Karaihe/European Marram Grass Calamagrostris arenaria
Probably the worst pest species we have in the dune system at Foxton Beach. It wasn’t always thought to be and had previously been widely planted as a means of stabilising sand erosion.
It has proven to be a short-term solution because of it being a deep-rooted species which creates high dunes through its deep penetrating roots. Unfortunately, as can be seen in the photograph opposite, these can cause the dune to collapse.
The planting of native sand-binders such as Pingao and Spinifex has been undertaken at the dunes for several years now, and in time, will hopefully prove to be a better solution than Marram.
It has been proven that seed can remain viable for over 20 years at up to depths of 4 m of sand. Wind erosion could bring these to the surface at a future date. View article abstract here.
Red-purple Ragwort Senecio elegans
This is a species that originated from South Africa with sand dunes its favoured habitat and, if left unchecked can quickly colonise new areas. They are controlled in the managed area of the dune garden but are found in areas bordering the Estuary and should be pulled up, ensuring the basal leaves are removed.
It is a very colourful plant and one that is grown in gardens and while not encouraged it is recommended to remove developing seed heads once flowering is finished. They produce an incredible number of seeds which is wind dispersed, thus quickly establishing new areas.
Some species can cover large areas, and this can be seen on parts of Transmission Gully.
Several species of Ragworts can be poisonous to stock.
Weedbusters-Red-purple Ragwort
Tree Lupin Lupinus arboreus
Originating from California, it is a common weed in the area and swathes of yellow in the distance are most likely to be this species.
A fairly easy plant to distinguish as a seedling because of its distinctive leaves, it should be pulled up before they become established. Once plants mature and seed, they have the potential to become established quite quickly as seed pods split explosively to disperse seeds which are also spread by water.
These tall, up to 2.5 m plants, soon shade out any natives and allow other shade tolerant weedy species to colonise. Controlled in parts of the dune garden but should be pulled up if seen elsewhere.
It is also tolerant of wind andcold.
Moundlily Yucca Yucca gloriosa
This is a very impressive species that is widely cultivated because of its rather exotic appearance. The only problem is that it can quite often outgrow its welcome and because of this is removed and frequently dumped in the vicinity of the Estuary from where some make their way into the sand dunes.
The plant itself is impressive with its long narrow, bright green leaves which can reach 50 cm and terminate with a sharp spike. It is at its most spectacular when it blooms, with the bell-shaped, white flowers that can sometimes be tinged with pink. These are produced on a stem which can be up to 2.5 m tall. The elongated berry can be up 7 cm and produce numerous seeds. Once they get to this stage and the dispersed seeds start to be germinate this is when the serious problems start. Seeds can also be water dispersed.
iNaturalist-Moundlily Yucca
Wikipedia-Yucca gloriosa
Tree Mallow Malva arborea
Introduced. Not assessed.
This is a species that is found in coastal regions in its natural distribution of Western Europe, extending as far as Libya.
Like many pest species they are quite pretty which is a downfall in countries outside of its natural distribution making it a good subject for horticulture. It is fast growing and is subsequently pruned or removed completely while still in seed.
Seed is reputed to be very resilient to salt water and can remain viable for many years in quite saline conditions.
Because of its mobility and tolerance of sea water it has become quite a serious pest on numerous seabird islands around the world. Aiding its survival is its reputed ability to excrete salt through glands on its leaves. Has the potential pest species in this area.
iNaturalist-Tree Mallow
SPECIES TO WATCH FOR
Parrot's Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum
This is one of the numerous species on the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) list which bans the sale of this potentially invasive species. However, of the sixteen regions with pest management plans it is only classed as a pest in eight, one of which is not Horizons. It is not considered a pest in this area.
This is a plant of mainly freshwater but can tolerate slightly saline estuarine conditions. Can grow in water up to 2 m in depth with the feathery growth protruding around 10 cm above water.
Once established it can form large mats which can reach a stage where it chokes or shades waterways which can cause serious problems for native species.
Broken off fragments are dispersed by water to new areas where they quickly become established.
Weedbusters-Parrot's Feather
iNaturalist-Parrot's Feather
