The next phase of work in Alexandra’s Half Mile Reserve is kicking off, with Dunstan High School pupils monitoring results of plantings so far. 

Haehaeata Trust project coordinator Rachael Baxter said they will be looking at last year’s planting effort.

“It will give us some stats on what the best and worst areas and species were: All good stuff to know for continuing to make the project even more successful in the years to come.”

Over the past two years, Half Mile Reserve has had wilding conifers (pines) removed and the planting of native vegetation has begun.

Rach Baxter at a planting session at Clyde's Miners Lane. PHOTO: File

The project is part of a broader effort by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) to manage wilding pines on council-owned land. 

The reserve has been identified as a significant seed dispersal site for wilding pines. 

The project aims include restoring the reserve to a more natural Central landscape, showcasing the views, rocky formations, and archaeological features of the site, providing open spaces and informal walking routes, incorporating hardy native plantings for shelter and biodiversity and restoring the existing water race by planting riparian vegetation.

CODC w has a five-year memorandum of understanding with Haehaeata Trust for a staged re-planting of the reserve. A year ago sections of the reserve were planted, and three more planting days are coming up.

On May 25, June 8 and June 29 the team will be digging holes, planting, matting, guarding, and labelling 250 natives each session.

Registrations are required as there are two different locations within the reserve. Sign up here.

Other trusts involved in planting natives in Central have announced planting sessions too and community helpers are needed to lend a hand. 

Mōkihi Reforestation Trust’s dates for native plantings in Cromwell are June 14, August 2, and October 11 at Stuart Ferry, July 12, August 30 at 45th Parallel and September 20, November 8 at Richards Beach.

The work of volunteers is safe from rabbits at one of Mōkihi Reforestation Trust's sites. PHOTO: Mōkihi Reforestation Trust Facebook

Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful (KACB) has autumn planting sessions in five different reserves.

Lanes Dam is May 21, Heritage Orchard in Alexandra on June 4, Alexandra Garden on June 7, Shaky Bridge Reserve on June 15 and Lookout Reserve on June 22. Register to attend these by emailing [email protected]

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