Planting 6,700 trees in Aniseed Valley

The Roding River Catchment group is gearing up to plant 6,700 native trees in Aniseed Valley to help improve water quality, and they’re looking for volunteers to lend a hand.

On a recent crisp autumn Saturday afternoon, around 25 people gathered at the Roding River in Aniseed Valley for an event hosted by the Roding Catchment group—one of the active sub-catchments of the broader Waimea Catchment.

The event celebrated the group’s progress over the past year, shared good news about newly- secured tree funding, and encouraged others to take action in their own local waterways.

Since forming 18 months ago, the Roding Catchment group has been monitoring water quality monthly, led by group member Rosalie Bennett from Tasman Bay Guardians.

“So far, results look good,” Rosalie says. “E. coli, nitrogen, phosphate levels, and clarity are all in a healthy range.”

However, she noted high water temperatures during summer were a concern.

“Our local fish need water temperature ideally 15 degrees or below. They start to struggle when it’s over 20 degrees, and we saw many days above 25 degrees this summer.

“The group has installed a temperature data logger which takes a reading every hour.”

More long-term data is needed to understand causes or trends. Thanks to support from Tasman Pine, Westpac NZ Landcare Trust fund, and Trees That Count, the group has secured funding for 6,700 native trees to be planted this winter.

Supplied by Titoki Nursery in Brightwater, the trees were introduced at the event by nursery representative Keith Roberts, who joined other speakers in sharing practical planting tips and catchment experiences.

“It’s going to be a busy season—we’d really welcome some extra helping hands,” Rosalie says.

“We want trees to thrive, not just survive.”

To join a planting day or find out more, contact Rosalie at [email protected]