The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has asked for feedback about what to plant at the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, with felling of the wilding pines there due to start next week.

Passions have run high over the proposed removal of the pines, with those who oppose the invasive pinus radiata pitted against nearby residents who say the trees provide a buffer from wind and highway noise; a habitat for birds and lizards; and an area for relaxation, sport and exercise.

The area became popular with people further afield after Bridge Hill residents Christine and Neville Ridd created a popular Christmas Trail in the reserve last year that was enjoyed by many locals and visitors, and has continued to be updated to mark occasions since.

 The issue also divided community board members, with the Vincent Community Board in January agreeing to the removal of the pines but in a staged approach. The CODC at its March 8 meeting was equally divided on whether stage renewal was permitted under the council’s Wilding Conifer Control Policy, and mayor Tim Cadogan used his casting vote to decide staged removal was not allowed under the policy.

The council’s options for replanting also raised objections, particularly the suggestion of planting poplars as a short-term shelter belt, leading to the current call for feedback on what to plant, ready for when the restoration project moves into the planting phase in about a year’s time.

CODC community experience group manager David Scoones is looking forward to getting more feedback from the community.

“We have a plan in place to get planting from mid-2024 on this beautiful site, to show off its natural landscape and historic features, and to protect and create more habitat for special creatures like the lizards and native birds. There are some key aspects of the landscape plan that people will be able to provide feedback on, and get involved in.

“While there were some initial ideas about the types of species, we would like to hear your feedback. For example, Kowhai and Hoheria are some of the varieties of shade trees that have been suggested and we’re keen to hear what people think of these varieties or any other ideas they might have that would also provide a similar amenity to the reserve,” he said.

“We realise and acknowledge that although we will be ensuring that the felling crew will leave the site tidy, it’s not going to look pretty for a while, and this is where we need to keep an eye to the overall vision for this reserve and be realistic about Rome not being built in a day.”

The council has approached community groups it has previously engaged with over the past two years, for a personal drop-in with key staff members.

“We’re also looking at ways people can engage online through the Let’s Talk Half Mile project page, so they can list their plant preference. That way we can get a good consensus of opinion,” David said.

“We’d also like to reassure the public that a lot of thought and planning has gone into the felling operation, and site safety. Naturally, some people might feel strongly about the operation, or experience a sense of loss.”

The reserve would be closed in June for public safety, he said, with all work undertaken to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

“With the wilding conifers being felled there is further thought and ideas coming from the community about how the reserve can be used into the longer term and we look forward to sharing these once we’ve compiled them all.”