Conservation week night walks have begun with the first party of about 20 people taking the opportunity to visit the residents of Mauao last night.

Guides Julia Graham and Paul Cuming gave a pre-walk briefing on the natural history and wildlife, as well as how the Rena disaster impacted on the local bird and marine animal residents.

Anika Burgess with her children Francis and Ayana, getting ready to go on the night tour. Photo: Rosalie Crawford.

The tour party got to see grey-faced petrels and little blue penguins thanks to the headlamps provided for each person to wear. The evening started at 6pm and everyone arrived back at base soon after 8pm to find warm milo and animal biscuits waiting.

The tours continue this week and need to be booked in advance by calling 021 0776851 or emailing [email protected].

Today, Sunday 11 September, the trust is Dune Planting in Papamoa from 10am - 12pm at Access 14.6 off Papamoa Beach Road reserve near McCallum Place.

And check out the Western Bay Wildlife Trust Penguin Aversion Dog Training on 17th September (Mount Maunganui) & 18th September (Papamoa)

The walks depart frpom the Mount surf club. Photo: Rosalie Crawford.