Restoring Normanby Lagoon one plant at a time

In a community-led effort to improve the area for nesting native birds, the Normanby Community Catchment Group invites residents to a planting day on Sunday 1 September.

Community planting day to improve biodiversity in the area

The community initiative includes representatives from the Timaru District Council (TDC), the Department of Conservation, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) runanga, KiwiRail, Forest & Bird, Fish & Game and landowners - all invited to attend a community hui to share knowledge about the lagoon. From this, a catchment group formed to progress some actions to improve the lagoon.

Catchment group facilitator Chris Konings says the key benefits of planting are to improve the area's biodiversity and mahika kai capability, provide nesting areas for native birds, improve water quality, increase the area's resilience to flooding and beautify the lagoon.

“A key issue is working with KiwiRail to keep the culvert clear, which is a determining factor influencing the lagoons' water level.

“Essentially, the aim is to restore the area to its more natural state and reduce the area flooding because of the blocked culvert.”

Throughout the day, the Group will plant 500 native plants in two sections of the lagoon. Phase two and three will look into obtaining more plants to go all the way around the lagoon, some fencing, trapping, water testing and removal of dead trees.

The plants have been funded by Timaru District Council’s Significant Natural Areas Fund, focusing on coastal wetland areas - thanks to Gary Foster

Get along and lend a hand

When: Sunday 1 September, 9am

Where: Meet at Ellis Road, the last gate on the right before the railway line.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing. You should also bring a spade, gardening gloves, a water bottle and a sun hat.

A rain day is set aside for Sunday 8 September, 9am.