Native Plants Project Gets a Boost

The beautification of a popular walking track with native trees and shrubs is about to hit top gear.

The Gore District Council, Gore Rotary Club, River Valley Lions Club, St Marys School and Longford Intermediate are working together to plant 2,500 natives around the lower Hamilton Park/Waikaka Walkway area.

Gore Parks and Recreation Manager Keith McRobie said the trees and shrubs would add to the community plantings in the area undertaken by the Gore and Districts Amenities Charitable Trust.

"The trust's work has been the catalyst to bring everyone together. The project was a massive undertaking for any community group, so we are pleased to be able to support the trust in achieving its goal.”

Mr McRobie said the aim was to restore about three hectares of what was once a landfill into native forest representative of the lowland forest originally found around Gore.

Among the ribbonwood, flax, and matai to be planted will be Kaihikatea – native white pine – which is this country's tallest indigenous tree.

“It would be great to create a habitat attractive for our native birds within an urban area.”

Pupils will be out this week (Thursday 12 May), planting the trees and shrubs.

"It's heartening to see the community's youth stepping up and working alongside the more senior community members."

Mr McRobie said the project was likely to be ongoing – "we may even look at what we can do at the northern end of Hamilton Park".