Weeding isn't usually a fun job but that didn't stop 185 students recently removing 30 large bags of tradescantia, also known as wandering willie, at I'Anson Bush Reserve in Te Puna.

The students from four local schools are part of the Bay Conservation Alliance Education programme that is funded by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The Programme covers a new topic each term with the schools, and works in partnership with Manaaki Taiao Ltd. and in collaboration with local groups and experts, such as Friends of I'Anson Bush Reserve.

This term, the focus ecosystem was wetlands and the schools received an in-class workshop on wetland trees and birds.

The field trip to I'Anson Bush Reserve included activities on wetland monitoring, bird, eel and freshwater bug identification, and a guided plant walk.

The field trips were during conservation week, hence the opportunity for the students to give back to nature by participating in a weeding activity.

I'Anson Bush Reserve was gifted to the Queen Elizabeth II Trust in 1987 by local residents Keith and Takiko I'Anson.

The reserve is home to more than 200,000 native trees planted by volunteers 35 years ago and two lakes with adjoining wetlands.

It's maintained by Western BOP District Council and a group of enthusiastic volunteers who focus on animal and plant pest removal.

'The students did a fantastic job of weeding a small area in the Reserve. It was great to see a big smile on their muddy faces as they got stuck in,” says Kate Loman-Smith, volunteer coordinator at I'Anson Bush Reserve.

The next BCA education field trips in November will be to the estuary below the reserve to show the impact of sediment flowing down the catchment to the harbour and the importance of wetlands, such as at I'Anson Bush Reserve.