It is with sadness that we farewell two highly valued conservation stalwarts, Neil Sutherland and Sheryl Corbett, who are retiring from conservation work in Leigh and relocating to Warkworth. For more than 19 years they have made a significant and lasting contribution to a wide range of local conservation initiatives in the Leigh area.
Sheryl and Neil established the Leigh Coastal Care Group (since renamed the Coastal Restoration Group) as a project of the Warkworth branch of Forest and Bird Society. They had been involved in Forest and Bird for many years and Neil served as chair of the North Shore branch. They were honoured by Forest and Bird with the Old Blue award a few years ago. They played a key role in organising regular working bees to address high-density weed infestations in coastal areas around Leigh. As well as carrying out pest plant control, they have both been committed trapping volunteers and street coordinators for Pest Free Leigh and have undertaken pest control and monitoring work for the Forest and Bird Leigh Penguin Project.
Neil and Sheryl were consistently among the first to volunteer at Leigh Harbour Valley Society working bees. They are widely respected for their extensive knowledge of coastal weeds and restoration practices. Their dedication, reliability, and generosity in sharing their expertise have been of immense value to the community.
Their presence will be really missed by all those who have had the pleasure of working with them, and we are extremely grateful for the many years of time, effort, and passion they have given.
We wish Neil and Sheryl every happiness in their new home and have no doubt they will continue to make a positive impact in conservation efforts in the Warkworth area.