We had the best morning on Sunday 22 September with a fantastic group of neighbours in Beach Haven, who, with support from Pest Free Kaipātiki, are initiating a community restoration project of the bush area around their local Boat Ramp.
We spoke about their vision for the area and their goals for the project. Everyone had a say and there were some wonderful ideas. There was heaps of energy and enthusiasm for working together to care for this well-used space, to maintain its special natural character and to ensure it flourishes for families and people of all ages to enjoy. Thank you to the amazing Laura who contacted us about initiating this project and who worked to get such an incredible turnout.
If you live in the area, in and around Paragon Ave, this group would love for you to join them. As well as the obvious benefits to our local environment, it is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours better. The next step is a weed control training workshop on site on Sunday 20 October at 10am. The workshop will be facilitated by Restoration Advisors at Pest Free Kaipātiki, so that the community is able to learn practical skills, whilst getting stuck in to restoring the native ecosystem. Meet on site by the Paragon Ave Boat Ramp. Bring your gumboots and gardening gloves.
The group also need some neighbourhood champions who can help to lead the charge. There are many different ways you could help. This could include motivating your neighbours to get involved, spreading the word amongst your networks about working bees and other restoration events or helping to train others. Please email pestplants@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz if you're keen to get involved and we can add you as part of the group.
If this inspires you to want to get together with your neighbours to care for a special place in your neighbourhood, please get in touch! We'd love to collaborate with you on restoring native ecosystems, and help your community and environment to thrive. Email: pestplants@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz