Te Mamaku Native Corridor project kicks off 2025

Eloise Martyn

Volunteers Penny and Kevin with David Short who recently helped at the Te Mamaku Native Corridor’s first working bee of 2025. <em>Photo: Supplied.</em>

The Te Mamaku Native Corridor project had a successful first working bee of 2025.

The team has been working to transform abandoned Crown land along SH60, which stretches along the scenic coastal highway connecting the Tasman and Māpua wetlands. Their goal is to establish a thriving forest corridor linking the Moutere Inlet with the Waimea Estuary, while also creating a sanctuary for birds and insects.

Additionally, the project aims to enhance the Dicker Ridge community walking and cycling track. The group also introduced new information boards, giving the public the opportunity to learn about (or participate in) their efforts while walking through the area.

On Saturday, February 22, the team worked at the Moutere end of SH60, where volunteers helped weed inside plant guards over 1.5 hectares of native plantings.

Michael Markert, one of the project organisers, shared, “We’ve had a fantastic growing season thanks to repetitive and sufficient rain over the summer so far—And so have all the weeds! All the trees were the same size when planted last winter, but it’s interesting to see how their growth rates vary now.”

The group is always looking for volunteers to help make the project a success. Anyone interested in joining their upcoming March working bee can contact Michael at [email protected].

Get local news delivered to your inbox

Stay informed with what’s happening in Nelson/Tasman with a free weekly newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every Friday morning, the Nelson App newsletter recaps the week that’s been while highlighting what’s coming up over the weekend.

* indicates required