The first planting day to improve an area of damaged historic wetland in Dublin Bay took place last Saturday (May 3).

WAI Wānaka urban facilitator Trudie Hirst said passionate residents who had been working towards a restoration project within the Dublin Bay reserve joined in 2024 to officially form the Dublin Bay Restoration Group.

“With the support of WAI Wānaka, the group gained permission from [the Department of Conservation] to establish a planting project to restore an area of damaged historic wetland within the reserve,” Trudie said.

Members of the group (alongside volunteers from WAI Wānaka, Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust and Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group) made excellent progress on Saturday.

Close to 350 plants were planted before a truckload of mulch was applied around newly planted trees; invasive weed control was undertaken; and rabbit netting was attached to perimeter fencing which the Dublin Bay Restoration Group had installed at an earlier date.

“The primary objective of this group is to restore and enhance native biodiversity - both flora and fauna - within the reserve and create a safe and inclusive space for the whole community to enjoy and use for recreation,” Trudie said.

PHOTO: WAI Wanaka