Biodiversity and Restoration Group funds 2,200 native plants
The Biodiversity and Restoration Thematic Group received thirteen applications from catchment residents for biodiversity and restoration projects. The group considered and decided on these applications at their March meeting.
The applications were for projects all over the catchment. They ranged from landowners wanting to plant 100 trees next to their stream, up to a few applications for 500+ plants on public land. Some applicants also requested volunteer help with their projects.
The group approved most applications, which amounted to a total of approximately 2,200 native plants and plant guards. Some of the conditions of the funding include that:
- the plants must be sourced from local nurseries
- the plants must be planted during the 2025 planting season
- photos of the plants must be sent to the BAR group showing growth and success rate of planting
It is important that the BAR group can track how the projects are progressing, which helps demonstrate that the funding is going to effective native regeneration.
These projects are an important contribution towards improving the biodiversity and habitat quality across the Motueka catchment. This has the added benefit of often protecting stream health too. Kate Radloff, chair of the BAR group says:
“I’d like to congratulate those who have applied for funding and are undertaking biodiversity and restoration work. All of these small projects weave together to help create a healthy, thriving catchment.”