Council staff have been working in partnership with the community around Bayside Reserve in Browns Bay since October 2008, with the aim of enhancing a section of the Taiaotea Creek. Exciting work has taken place in Bayside Reserve, where the existing concrete stream channel has been naturalised and the stormwater pond has been upgraded. Extensive planting has improved the habitat for local wildlife, a track now provides all weather access around the whole pond and a board walk over the pond provides a peaceful resting spot. A series of environmental interpretation panels also provides informative details about the features of the reserve.
We have been working with residents who have a stream on their private property to help them improve the environment where the stream flows over their private land. Private property owners have worked wonders with their streams. Between May and September 2009, more than 200 Bayside residents planted around 6000 native plants and trees in the neighbourhood. The plants have gone into 18 private properties as well as the two local reserves, Bayside and Taiaotea. Further weeding took place in the first half of 2010 and another 3000 native plants and trees will be planted in the 2010 planting season. Energetic volunteers from Conservation Volunteers New Zealand have helped out with weed clearance in Taiaotea Reserve.
All of this work will have many benefits. Natural streams are a much more efficient (and cost effective) way to manage rain run-off. These streams also act as filters, purifying the water as it moves down towards the sea. So our work here will mean cleaner beach water at Browns Bay, and less flooding and erosion. It will create a more natural habitat for native fish, insects and birds. And will ultimately mean a better environment for everyone to enjoy.
The Bayside Restoration Project is part of a long-term programme right across North Shore City to improve the stream and stormwater systems, which will in turn improve our environment and lifestyle. It’s the naturally smarter thing to do.
Use the related documents and newsletters panels on the right to view more information about the Bayside Restoration Project.
