It's almost time to get outside and take care of nature, with this years' Conservation week beind held from August 15-23.

Conservation Week 2020 is a key annual initiative by DOC and this years' the emphasis is on the well-being benefits of spending time in nature and seeing 'nature through new eyes'.

DOC community ranger Teresa McCauley says after the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us look at life and our world with different perspectives.

'Take time to explore your relationship with nature and enjoy its benefits. Our wellbeing is directly linked to and affected by that of Papatuanuku.

'Immerse yourself in nature this Conservation Week and embrace what's always been there; we have some amazing green spaces in the Eastern Bay, explore your local backyard”.

Teresa says places such as White Pine Bush and Marawaiwai reserves are easy to get to and are perfect for slowing down to see nature up close and in detail.

Spending time in nature is often referred to as ‘good for the soul'. This year's Conservation Week is a chance for people to breathe in the air of the sea, take in the views of natural landscapes, and feel the crunch of the forest floor below our feet – all of which will benefit our well-being.

A planting day at the Matata Lagoon will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 9.30am-12 pm at the Matata Wildlife Refuge - Matatā Lagoon Loop Track.

Bring a spade (if you have one), boots, sun protection, a jacket, a drink and morning tea.

Water will be available and a sausage sizzle will be provided after the planting.

Kiwi aversion training for Dogs

Kiwi aversion training for dogs will be held on August 16 from 9.30am-9.30pm at the Awatapu Lagoon in Whakatane.

Bookings are essential due to limited training spots. To book please contact Donna on: 07 561 7352 after 5pm or email: [email protected]

A Kawerau trap building workshop will be held on August 19 from 1-1.30pm at the Kawerau Library.

Head down to learn more about the predators that threaten our unique taonga in Aotearoa. Build your own rat trap box to put out in your backyard, learn how to use the TrapNZ app to record your catches.

Join Bill Clark, the kaitiaki of Tumurau on a 45-minute guided kayak tour around the wetland on August 22 at 9am, 10am or 11am at the Tumurau Wetland on Braemar Road. See how many wetland bird species you can find. Although there is no age restriction please be mindful that we will be operating kayaks supplied by Bill Clark. Booking is essential as seats are limited. To book, email: [email protected]

And finally, aspiring photograpers can enter the ‘Zoom in on Nature' photo competition from August 15-23. Prizes will be awarded in four categories - flora, fauna, aandscape and youth (photographers aged five to 13 years old).Multiple entries accepted. Each photo should be attached to an email and sent to: [email protected]

For more information on Conservation Week and to see if there are additional activities in your area, visit the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/conservation-week