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Photo: Anna White

Eco-sourced plants return to their origins with the aid of E.I.F. funding…. enhancing an ambitious wetland project at Awhitu Central

Ambitious wetland project adjoining Awhitu Central ReserveFunding from E.I.F. received by an Awhitu landowner in the 2013/2014 round has enabled further development of an ambitious wetland restoration on private land. The eco-sourced plants were purchased from our Awhitu Landcare Community Nursery and planted during the winter months. Some of the Puriri were sourced from Awhitu Central Reserve bush; these wonderful, sturdy plants are now happily growing just across the road from the parent tree. This year both wetland species and secondary native trees were planted.

Auckland Council promotes all types of restoration projects through the Environmental Initiative Fund (E.I.F). Applications are open for a variety of categories on an annual basis. This funding is a quid pro quo arrangement between Council and landowner. For successful applicants the funding provides an incentive to progress a project.

Austraderia splendens in full flowerA large proportion of the E.I.F. grant was spent on Leptospermum scoparium, manuka. This species is suitable as a hardy tree able to cope with both wind and wet, and as a source of food for bees. Additionally, within this latest planting are Austroderia sp., toetoe, Coprosma lucida, karamu, and Cyperus ustulatus, giant umbrella sedge. These plants have added to the diversity of previous plantings that include Phormium tenax, harakeke, Cordyline australis, Ti Kouka, Hebe stricta, Koromiko and established Juncus sp.

Cordyline australis, Ti Kouka, makes a strong statementThe wetland area was fenced in 2007 - aided by a contribution from E.I.F. at that time. The planting project has continued since, along with weed control. Successful establishment of primary colonisers has enabled the planting of secondary species that include Sophora microphylla, Kowhai and Podocarpus totara. This wetland provides a wildlife corridor between the Awhitu Central Reserve bush and the large covenanted bush block. The Awhitu Central Reserve bush area has been extended and enhanced by Landcare volunteers work in recent years.

Whilst, acknowledging the funding from E.I.F., it is important to note that projects require a long-term commitment from the landowner in order that the funding is put to the best possible use. To apply for any environmental funding check the Useful Links page on this website.

Keep planting!

from Vivienne Wise, Awhitu Central

All the hard work is paying off to see the wetland now