What we do
The group works on river and riparian zone care which includes clearing box-thorn and gorse along the riparian zone of the river reserve and planting native species such as Plagianthus spp. and Coprosma spp.
A walking and biking trail has been established from the very eastern end of Cumnor Terrace to the Woolston Cut and three seats have been installed at various viewing locations. Crusher dust has been placed on the trail where required.
This work is ongoing and is being supported by Christchurch City Council Parks Unit Arborist, Jonathan Hansen.
History
This area had been long left to grow weeds and was a site for dumped vehicles and spoil. CCC removed five vehicles and some trucks of concrete posts, wire and other rubbish.
In 2019, Mick Ingram and Bruce Stanton took a proposal to the Linwood Central Heathcote Community Board and were granted approval to create an informal pathway along the river and to revegetate the area within the Kennaway River Reserve working with CCC oversight. Jonathan Hansen CCC South Arborist ensured any unsafe trees were made into bark mulch. Mick Ingram, Bruce Stanton and Ian McCymont led a small team of willing workers for the initial restoration with advice from Dennis Preston CCC Landscaper. Dennis had been involved with re-landscaping for the ‘Woolston Cut’ and the affected riverbanks on the inside of the Woolston loop adjacent to businesses. The Kennaway Farm side of the river had horse paddocks and the horses hadn’t complained, so there had been very limited river bank planting on that side.
Obstacles that had to be overcome included unfinished aspects of the Woolston Cut re-vegettion, getting large amounts of rubbish removed, manually removing a lot of box thorn, gorse, broom and finding volunteers to plant and maintain this area which was located near an industrial zone and few local residents.
When Covid came, the pathway was suddenly packed hard by people walking the river trail! Then, the friendly developer of Kennaway Industrial Park (Arrow) went bankrupt and a new developer took over the industrial development changing already-approved consenting conditions, creating additional problems, allowing containers to be stacked higher and reducing the setback from the river.
We have received excellent support from all CCC rangers and staff who have helped make this project a reality. Currently, we have had a local business group, Adventure Specialists, provide volunteers, as well as Conservation Volunteers NZ and other keen people. You are most welcome to join us.
Who are we?
‘Kennaway Group’ is a willing group of like-minded people with the desire to restore planting and offer recreational opportunities in the way of trail building for walking and biking. The group consist of about up to 10 people working regularly led by Iam McClymont and Mick Ingram.
Location
Work is done on the south bank of Ōpāwaho Heathcote River along the river reserve riparian zone.
Contact
Images
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