Called ClearSky, the trial aims to grow a grass which helps deter birdlife near airports and reduce the risk of aircraft bird strikes. With specific maintenance the specialist grass, developed by Danish company DLF Seeds & Science, grows dense and spiky, making it unattractive but harmless to birds both large and small.
DLF turf manager Peter Griffiths said Wanaka was chosen because the company wanted a trial site in Australia or New Zealand and it already had an existing relationship with Wanaka Airport, as DLF supplied the seed for its grass runway.
The grass affects the food chain, deterring small birds from landing, thus reducing the number of larger birds such as hawks in the area.
Other airports involved in the global trials, which usually last two years, include London’s Heathrow and Aberdeen International Airport.
The Wanaka trial started in October last year.
"We visit every month to six weeks and we take measurements of plant types, plant density, [and] look at any weeds because they can be beneficial to birds feeding."
Bird numbers and the species of bird are also recorded.
A trial of similar seed at Jersey Airport in the United Kingdom resulted in a more than 50% reduction in bird activity in one year, Mr Griffiths said. No single solution would suit all conditions around the world and DLF’s aim was to make the skies safer everywhere, he said.
