Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust (HNHT) is gearing up for the first stage of planting at Alexandra’s Half Mile Reserve this Sunday afternoon and everyone is welcome to lend a hand.

Based at the Clyde railhead where it operates an eco-nursery, HNHT has a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Central Otago District Council (CODC) to carry out planting in the reserve.

The planting bee will be held on Sunday, June 9, from 1pm - 4pm and will start with the area above State Highway 8.

CODC Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey said council was delighted to be working with and supporting HNHT.

"We're looking forward to seeing the transformation of this reserve over the next few years and commend [HNHT] for taking on this challenge to create another unique space for the community."

With an initial goal of putting in 5000 tussocks, the HNHT’s project coordinator Rach Baxter said this was the group’s biggest and most ambitious undertaking since it formed in 2017.

“There has been a lot of work happening in the background with this project and we are very excited to announce the first of our public planting days.

“The slash has been tidied away, the ground prepared and now we have our fingers crossed for a bit more rain," she said.

“This is a big project and we’re in for the long haul, so we need as many people involved as possible. There’s a variety of ways people can be actively involved even if their backs aren’t up to digging holes, to help with the transformation of this beautiful site, to really enhance its natural features, and create an outstanding entrance to Alexandra, and boost our native biodiversity at the same time.”

Initially, HNHT will be establishing three local species; Poa cita – silver tussock, Poa colensoi – blue tussock and Festuca novae-zelandiae – hard tussock. 

The next five stages will concentrate on re-establishing local native shrub and tree species, a lot of which are 'at risk' or 'threatened'.

“With the ground having been prepared, we’ve actually already been up there and had a wee practice and planted four tussocks, so the good news is there’s actually only 4,996 left to go.”

CODC staff, councillors and contractors are getting started first to coincide with Arbor Day (tomorrow June 5), by holding their own mini planting session.

Arbor Day is internationally observed when groups are encouraged to celebrate and plant trees to combat issues of climate change and biodiversity.  

To help on Sunday volunteers need to bring their own digging tool, gloves, sturdy footwear, warm clothes and water. Dogs are not permitted.

Contact [email protected] for further information or register on the HNHT website.