Year 7 Ecosanctuary Trip

By Lisa Dixon | Posted: Monday September 15, 2025
Some Year 7 students went to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary recently as part of our focus on the living world. This was a great learning experience about invasive species, native birds, and their impacts in a fun and informative way.

Invasive Species:

An invasive species is a non-native plant or animal that poses a threat to the local ecosystem. These invaders often outcompete native species for resources, disrupting the natural balance. Controlling invasive species is crucial to protect biodiversity. Examples of invasive species include rats, mice, stoats, ferrets, pigs, rabbits dogs and even cats to name a few.

Impact of Invasive Species:

Through interactive discussions and activities at the Ecosanctuary we explored how invasive species can harm ecosystems by preying on native species- particular native birds, spreading diseases, and altering habitats. Back in our classrooms we continued our studies with reading, writing and art activities. Room 6 also set up some ink trackers in our nearby reserve to see what they could find and one group worked with Mr Hunter on setting up some traps also.

Protecting Our Environment:

By learning about invasive species and native birds and how we can all make a change to help our environment - from planing native trees, reducing our impact and rubbish and setting our own rodent traps around our houses. One day our backyards may be filled once again with the bird songs of many of our native brids similar to those we saw at Orokonui.