Planting day details
Friday 1 October – Chamberlains Ford
Sunday 3 October – Coes Ford
Both days start at 10am and will finish with a free BBQ sausage sizzle lunch.
What to bring: a planting spade and gardening gloves and remember to dress for the weather.
For more information
Download the flyer here.
More than 3000 native plants will be established at two community planting days at Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford on the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri in September.
“The planting days are part of ongoing environmental enhancement projects on the Selwyn/Waikirikiri which has resulted in more than 30,000 shrubs and trees planted over the past five years,” said Jason Arnold, Chair of the Coes and Chamberlains Ford Reserve Management Committee.
The enhancement project has involved members of the local community, local landowners, Ngai Tahu, Department of Conservation, the Green Footprint group , Selwyn District Council, Waihora Ellesmere Trust and Environment Canterbury.
Brett Painter, chair of the Waihora Ellesmere Trust, said a key focus for the Trust – which was established in 2003 to implement a community strategy for the lake and its catchment – was to work in partnership with communities, landowners, and other stakeholders.
“It is very encouraging to see so many people and organisations working together to achieve a shared vision of environmental restoration for the lower reaches of the Selwyn/Waikirikiri, which flows into Te Waihora/Ellesmere,” said Brett Painter.
The Green Footprint group – which is collaboration between the Youth Hostel Association, Waihora Ellesmere Trust, Landcare Research and Selwyn District Council – has developed a five-year strategy to enhance indigenous biodiversity in the area which includes plantings at Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford.
Jason Arnold said the restoration work would help address the water quality issues in the Selwyn/Waikirikiri and other streams which flow into Te Waihora/Ellesmere.
“Stream-bank planting is one tool which can help to begin restoring environmental values in these waterways.
“In addition the aesthetic improvements are greatly appreciated by local community members and visitors to the reserves, the river and the lake.” said Jason.
“The planting areas will provide an opportunity for ecosystems to re-establish and rebuild and enhance local biodiversity values.
“Communities want areas such as Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford to have high recreational and environmental values and will visit and take more care of these areas as they develop,” concludes Jason Arnold.
