Fifty native seedlings were planted on Sunday (May 7) by volunteers and members of not for profit group Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful (KACB) at Lookout Reserve.

Plantings began here more than five years ago and aim to restore local biodiversity and encourage birds, insects, and lizards back to the Central landscape. 

KACB chair Bev Thomson thanked the volunteers who also weeded, mulched and put up rabbit protection during the two hour long working bee. 

“We very much enjoyed the morning tea supplied by Alexandra Four Square too,“ she said.

Four kowhai were donated to the project by a gift card scheme run by Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust 

Lookout Reserve is just over the old rail bridge, between Little Valley Rd and Lookout Dr. 

The seedlings were donated by Clyde Railhead Community eco-nursery, run by the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust (HNHT).  

Two HNHT planting days are on this week at another site, Flat Top Hill. The first is tomorrow (Thursday May 11) from 1-3pm and the second on Saturday (May 13) from 10am-12pm. 

Twenty five locals lent a hand to planting natives at a planting day organised by not-for-profit group Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful on Sunday

Participating in a planting day is a chance to discover more about the unique Central landscape and meet others interested in the environment. Morning and afternoon tea is provided after each session. 

The revegetation of Flat Top Hill was taken on by HNHT in 2020 after planting had been previously undertaken by the Department of Conservation from 2007-2011. 

HNHT is named after the Te Reo Māori name for Leaning Rock on the Dunstan range, which means “first to greet the dawn”.

Register for a session on the HNHT website or email [email protected]. 

To find out about KACB activities contact [email protected] or connect with the group on Facebook.