Work on reducing possum numbers on Otago Peninsula will begin in March thanks to a grant from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.
The board's environment and heritage fund recently granted $142,500 to the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust to begin possum control operations.
Group chairwoman Irene Scurr said possums were a significant problem on the Otago Peninsula.
"This grant will enable us to begin major possum-control operations. It provides a much needed financial boost towards our goal of a pest-free peninsula."
The funding announcement was only the first step and the group was looking for a commitment from a cornerstone sponsor to help the group in its goal of supporting landowners and the peninsula community.
"It would be fantastic to get local businesses involved in the project as well."
Project manager Richard Wilson said tenders had gone out and the group hoped to award it in February and start in March.
The ground operation aimed to "knock out" possum numbers in the Cape Saunders, Taiaroa Head and Clarks/Sheppards Hill Pivot areas initially, using a variety of traps and a cyanide bait, Feretox.
It was hoped once possum numbers were reduced, bush and bird life on the peninsula would start to recover, Mr Wilson said.
The funding would enable the group to monitor birds and vegetation to see that change. It would also allow the purchase of about $18,000 worth of traps for the community to use in the more urban areas.
