Council has been working in partnership with the community at the Pine Ridge apartment complex in Birkenhead since 2008, with the aim of restoring their section of the Eskdale stream.
The community is lucky enough to share a large bush block containing a section of a highly ecologically valuable stream. This area of bush contains a good range of native species but was neglected and suffered from a heavy weed infestation.
Together, the council and the Pine Ridge community have taken action to improve this area. The partnership has been successful and much has been achieved. Weeds have been cleared from a 100 metre long stretch of the stream banks, 1800 native plants have been planted, a walking trail with botanical signs and weta hotels has been established and environmental interpretation panels have been installed, teaching the community about the bush and stream
The community newsletters tell the story of the project and celebrate what has been achieved by this innovative and exciting partnership project. The project is now in a maintenance phase with the enhanced area being monitored to ensure that it stays in shape.
Forty four percent of the Pine Ridge households were engaged in the project which saw the ecological performance of the stream improved by 26% in just two years. Extensive weed removal and control, along with native planting activities resulted in an 84% decrease in riparian pest plant vegetation and an associated 84% increase in beneficial riparian vegetation.
As well as the environmental benefits, there were significant impacts on the community. Since the start of the project, the community's interest in and value placed on the natural environment has increased by 33%. Now the Pine Ridge complex has a beautiful, relaxing common bush and stream area, the community’s use of this area for recreational purposes has increased by 33%. This is especially significant given that at the outset, a large proportion of the community did not even know the stream existed and access to the area was difficult at best and also hazardous. A fish passage to enable native fish and koura to swim to the upper reaches of the stream, a stream crossing and safe, easy access complete the picture.
These results are testament to the hard work and dedication of the project team, especially Glenda Bostwick, who has become a familiar face at the complex in recent years and who has galvanised the community into action.
Use the related documents and newsletters panels on the right to view more information about the Pine Ridge Project.
