Locals can make their own rat traps and learn about trapping at a workshop coming up next Saturday (May 22).

Wanaka Backyard Trapping (WBT) will be hosting the workshop, which will take place at the new Wanaka Community Workshop on Gordon Road. 

WBT secretary Diana Manson said participants will learn how to make a wooden enclosure for a rat trap.

“There will also be the chance to talk to experienced trappers and get advice and purchase larger traps to target bigger pests,” Diana said.

WBT president Kris Vollebregt suggested participants bring along their kids as, in past workshop events, they have enjoyed learning how to construct the traps.

No experience is required to take part and Kris said the workshop was “a good first step” for people wanting to learn about trapping at home.

WBT is a volunteer-led organisation which was created in 2018. 

Kris said she decided to start the group when she realised that, although volunteer-led trapping projects were making a difference to the protection of native species in conservation areas, there was little trapping in urban communities. 

The organisation holds workshops, collects data, educates the community on New Zealand’s native fauna, and maintains trapping lines on public land, among other activities.

WBT is also currently looking for people who would be willing to sponsor traps for the Lake Wanaka shoreline. 

Predators travel to water for hydration regularly so the shoreline is “always a good place to have a trap,” Kris said.

To take part in next Saturday’s rat-trap making workshop head along to the Wanaka Community Workshop at 15 Gordon Road between 10am-1pm. A BBQ will follow the workshop.

Participants will need to bring their own hammer and safety gear and there is a $25 charge per trap made.

PHOTO: WBT