A project to clear exotic and invasive pest plants, abandoned cars, and household rubbish from a neglected Department of Conservation reserve. Our objective is to assist nature to re-establish its historic ecology and thus transform the grazed artificial bog [created during the construction of the Wilton sub-station] and surrounds, into a thriving wetland and forest habitat.
Our vision:
The open aspect of the valley floor contrasts with the dense vegetation of the surrounding native forest, with emergent and canopy trees that enhance the lush profusion of form created by the native plant understory and leaf litter. Native grass, sedge and rushes enhance the attractive wetland and picnic area. The stream is flanked by riparian habitat; its high quality water home to a myriad of freshwater life forms. There is an abundance of bird life.
The site is in ecological balance, self-sustaining and a seed source. Key indicator species are present and reflect the importance of the biodiversity aspect of the site to the “Natural Pathways” project
Weed and pest incursion is controlled to keep the site substantially free of unwanted and invasive plants and animals and to maintain endemic biodiversity.
Our journey:
- December 2011 - 2013 concept approved; project plan developed; MoU with Wellington City Council agreed
- 2015 - 2016 site assessment and management plan; in-fill planting of kahikatea and puketea; chew card survey; trapping stations installed; photo point images taken.
- 2017 - 2018 Greenwood Trust funded tools and equipment; phase 1 of Darwin's barberry clearance.
- 2019 - 2020 clearing Darwin's barberry
- 2021 - Darwin's barberry clearance, commence blackberry clearance and planting the wetland
Work sessions
These are held every other weekend on alternate Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 9:00am, a hot drink and well deserved refreshment is provided to round off the morning's work and all finished by 12:30pm. Note, there are no sessions scheduled for January. If you would like to be a regular or casual helper, please contact the project coordinator and request to receive the work session notices.
What can you do
- take a walk in the reserve [off Chartwell Drive, Crofton Downs]
- contact the project coordinator to volunteer
- consult and bookmark the Weedbuster website; remove invasive exotic plants from your garden and replace with New Zealand natives
- talk to friends and colleagues about pest plants and help us rid Wellington’s open spaces of these garden escapee’s
- join your local predator free group
