12 August 2004

Community planting day planned for Ngaio

Volunteers are needed to help plant 745 native plants and spread bark mulch on a prominent bank in Ngaio.

The Ngaio Progressive Association and Wellington City Council are organising a community planting session on Saturday 21 August from 10am to 1pm to encourage more people to get involved in beautifying their environment.

Town Belt and Reserves Curator Joanna Gillanders says a small group of volunteers are doing fantastic things in Trelissick Park and Ngaio Gorge but the more people that get involved, the better the results.

"The planting session is a good way for people to do something practical to improve their community," she says. "If they are interested in helping on a more regular basis, we can give them information about other restoration projects.

"There is so much going on around the city to help bring back the birds and the bush."

The gently sloping Ngaio site is on Khandallah Road, downhill from the Simla Crescent railway station and adjacent to the area that was planted last year. It is to the left of the area locals will know as the garden with the Ngaio sign. It is recommended people park in adjacent side streets rather than on the main road.

"Council staff have cleared the site and it's all set to go," Ms Gillanders says. "We usually encourage young people to take part but this site is between a busy road and railway tracks so it's not suitable for children. Obviously we will have safety measures in place."

People need to bring a spade, suitable footwear and gardening gloves. Refreshments will be provided.

ENDS

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