Environment Canterbury has joined forces with key partner organisations to stage the biodiversity event of the year - the Canterbury Restoration Field-days. They will be held next Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, on Motukarara Domain, 20 km south of Christchurch.

"The field-days will provide a one-stop shop for the why, how and where of biodiversity restoration. The event is aimed at people who are already involved in restoring and enhancing natural habitats, to encourage native species, from geckos to pukekos," says Wayne McCallum, regional biodiversity co-ordinator.

On the first day there will be workshops, presentations and lively debate to encourage people to share skills, experience and knowledge and to learn practical skills such as how to set up a restoration group or project and secure funding. The second day offers a tour of selected restoration sites around Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, or a unique opportunity to visit the Ashley River/Rakahuri and Otuakaikino wetland in Belfast, north of Christchurch.

"This event is the first of its kind in Canterbury and the excitement is building in biodiversity circles, so we are gearing up for a huge weekend. Some of the events, particularly the Saturday hangi and Sunday field visits have a set number of places and will be in huge demand, so get there early and get registered. If you're not packing your daypack already, we have one last trump card up our swannie-sleeve: Like all the best things in life, this event is free," says Wayne McCallum.

"There has been a welcome surge in commitment to biodiversity initiatives among land owners and community leaders in the last few years and we want to build on that momentum", says Jane Demeter, Environment Canterbury biodiversity chair.

"There are plenty of Cantabrians out there who are passionate about creating havens for native plants and animals on farms, reserves or even in their back yard. The Canterbury Restoration Field-days are about celebrating their achievements and providing them with the tools, networks and know-how for future successes. This event is also part of a multi-organisational commitment to achieving the vision and goals of the Regional Biodiversity Strategy", says Ms Demeter.

The weekend opens with a Maori welcome and poem by Canterbury's own Man-of-Verse, Colin Patterson at 10am on the Saturday. For more information on the Canterbury Restoration Field-days visit www.canterburybiodiversity.org.nz