Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust (HNHT) is holding another planting day to establish unique plant species at Alexandra’s Half Mile next Sunday, August 11, from 1pm.

Five hundred native trees and shrubs of 28 different species will be put into the ground to boost biodiversity.

HNHT project coordinator Rach Baxter said it was important to register before the day to get safe parking information.

Rach said it is great to be planting these trees and shrubs to hopefully provide a more secure future for the species and for the animal life that depends on them for their survival too. 

“The tree daisy species are home for up to 28 different species of moth, some of which are specialists and will not survive on any other plant.”

The species being planted are varied, from a small grey hebe with pale lavender flowers (Veronica pimeleoides, classified as at risk and naturally uncommon) to kōwhai seedlings which will grow to be larger trees. 

Three species of tree daisy will be planted, two of which are named under the New Zealand threat classification system, along with nine other species to be planted. 

Cromwell broom (Carmichaelia compacta) is another special plant going in, which grows nowhere else in the world.

“We also believe that pre-human arrival a lot of these species would be naturally occurring here. Weeping māpou while not an at-risk plant, is locally very scarce and will provide an excellent feast for the birds once it starts fruiting.”

Volunteers enjoyed a cup of tea at Alexandra’s Half Mile Reserve public planting session on June 9. PHOTO: Supplied

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

At the first planting session 500 tussocks were planted by more than 100 volunteers.

For more information visit HNHT website.