Waipu nursery opening shindig

19 Dec, 2022

PIROA-BRYNDERWYNS LANDCARE GROUP

A fun gathering was had by Waipu locals to celebrate the opening of the Waipu Waters Community Nursery in November.

Motivated by a collective goal of improving the health of our rivers, the Waipu Waters Community Nursery was formed. The nursery was initiated in May 2022 by the conservation group, Waipu Waters. Working with Piroa Conservation Trust, the nursery aims to produce 20,000 native plants annually for riparian margins, wetlands, and the restoration of migratory paths.

Currently the nursery is growing plants for the Waipu River Walk, the Waipu to Waipu Cove Cycle and Walkway and for local farmers who are interested in planting their riverbanks. Recipients wishing to obtain plants must either pay for the trees or put in some time to produce and plant them. All plants that leave the nursery must be planted in the ground and not left for the landowner to plant at their convenience. All seeds are eco-sourced locally as there are variations of every species within a small radius of a few kilometres.

Dave Brown of Tahamoana Angora goat farm has allowed the use of a discarded nursery on his land for the project. The first working bee was held in June, when over 20 volunteers took on the task of clearing the area which had been dormant for around a decade. Dave also helped with logistics and landscaping.

After a successful start a regular gathering was established. Volunteers have been turning up every second Sunday of the month to continue clearing weeds, repair growing sites and develop a sustainable working nursery.

Coralie Roberts has taken the role of nursery manager and has initiated a seed potting operation known as ‘Potting Thursdays’. A small group attend the productive yet social gatherings resulting in around 5000 native plants being potted. If you are keen to attend, the potting sessions occur 5.30pm to 8pm every week with a shared dinner afterwards.

The nursery would welcome new volunteers. If interested please contact Coralie kirkhouse@xtra.co.nz or phone 027432 0293. Volunteers are also wanted for the second Sunday of every month. Contact Peter pg@ecoprojects.nz

Waipu Waters Community Nursery had a very social opening in November. PHOTO/SUPPLIED