Autumn on the Pit Rim Walkway

Posted by on 03/05/2011

Planting around the Pit Rim Walkway is timed to take advantage of the autumn rains after the heat of summer has passed while allowing for establishment of root systems before winter sets in.

Within the next couple of weeks, depending on the weather, mostly native species will be planted in new areas of the walkway and in areas where there are gaps or losses.

On the Pit Rim Walkway planting began in 2006 with the creation of the first stages of the walkway and the relocation of the Cornish Pumphouse. This first planting season established 2000 plants. Each year the planting is reviewed and new areas are developed in stages. In 2007 and 2008 around 4400 plants went in and the following year 12,000 trees were planted around the pit rim and alsothe Black Hill Walkway.

2010 saw another 7000 native plants enhancing the pit rim, including wet areas alongside the stream through Slevin Park, adjacent to the edge of a KauriBank area. By the end of this year the total number oftrees planted on the walkways will exceed 30,000.

The reason behind the planting is simple – to develop areas brimming with New Zealand’s unique indigenouflora. Plants featured include cabbage trees, flaxes, tree ferns, lancewoods, coprosmas, rimu, tussock grasses, totara, kauri, groundcovers, manuka, kanuka and toetoe. Around the walkway these native plants suppress weeds, provide a native seed source, restore disturbed land and provide food and safe corridors linking habitats for birds.