The Cashmere catchment contains approximately 51 km of natural waterways and artificial drains. As well as the spring-fed branches in the lowland section, 3 main tributaries feed Cashmere Stream from the Port Hills: Hoon Hay Valley, Worsley Road and Cashmere Valley Streams.

Cashmere Stream still has areas of high ecological value and there are a lot of gains that can be made within this catchment that would contribute to improving stream health.

Volunteers at the first planting day, Holbrook Way, Oct 2006

Cashmere Stream Care formed in May 2004, when residents approached Environment Canterbury concerned about the increasing sedimentation and declining health of their stream.

The initial aims of the group are to:

• Improve water clarity
• Identify sediment sources
• Improve in stream health
• Enhance public areas

A steering committee has developed an action plan that addresses the communities concerns in this catchment and is looking at ways to get buy in for this plan with the local community. This steering committee meets approximately every 6 weeks.

If you would like to know more about this project or the Living Streams programme, please contact Environment Canterbury and ask for a Resource Management Coordination team member for your district.