He receives a copy of Another Time, Another Life (Random House), by Leif Persson. Rob's letter, was published on Thursday.
Swans and willows thrive at Lake Waihola
As a sheep farmer who farms beside Lake Waihola, I was amused by Bill Henderson's letter (ODT, 6.8.12) regarding swans eating grass from farmers paddocks.
Swans have been eating farmers' grass in great numbers around Lake Waihola, all year round for as long as anyone can remember. The only difference with the recently publicised case of farmer Grant Love is that it became a news story.
Many lakeside farmers spend considerable time scaring or moving swans on. In the recently publicised case, the swans have developed a taste for dairy farmers grass which is no surprise. It is generally longer, more lush and in ready supply all year round. If I was a swan I would certainly eat a dairy farmer's grass rather than sheep pasture.
As for Lake Waihola's water quality and the eradication of willows, these are intertwined. Waihola is a shallow, tidal, virtually sea-level lake. Much scientific work has been done on its future. The extent of willow infestation on the lake's channels and wetlands was creating an unhealthy water body incapable of natural flushing. This, if left unchecked, would eventually cause an increased rate of sedimentation build up.
Local farmers joked that we would soon be ploughing to the centre of the lake. The solution was obvious though; willow control. A healthy lake with improving water quality is preferable to a stagnant pond surrounded by ever-encroaching willows.
Rob Girvan
Waihola
