The primary purpose of this project is to create a link from the Moutere Inlet to the Waimea Estuary with a native corridor for biodiversity, migrating birds and insects. This, in turn, will enhance the experience of the Dicker Ridge walking and cycling track.
What was abandoned Crown Land along SH60, overgrown by wilding pine trees, gorse and blackberries will be a native forest for future generations to enjoy.
Wide praise for enhancing local biodiversity has come from the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird, Restoring the Moutere (Tasman Environment Trust), NZLandcare Trust and Ngāti Rārua. This evolving prominence in Tasman District has resulted in sponsorship of a further 9,300 trees as part of New Zealand’s gift to celebrate King Charles III coronation through Project Crimson.
Between 2022 and 2023 13,800 trees have been planted on 3.5 hectares. Another 3.8 hectares has been cleared and mulched ready for planting in 2024/2025. The winter of 2024 planting will see 11,000 trees going into the ground.
This is all possible thanks to sponsors and funders, including Lottery Environment and Heritage, Rātā Foundation, NBS Nelson Building Society, NZ Motorhome and Caravan Association, Trees That Count, Network Tasman and TDC and individual sponsors.
For 2025/2026 we are planning to clear more land to plant another 10,000-12,000 trees.
Please help this project with your donation or become one of our strong volunteer group!
Help is needed during the winter plantings, regular weeding and trapping. To be in our volunteer database please email [email protected]
Every (tax deductible) $10 you would be able to chip in would pay for the planting of one tree including the costs for buying a plant guard and weed spraying maintenance for two years.
A link to our donation page you will find here: https://www.tasmancommunity.org.nz/te-mamaku-drive-ruby-bay-bypass-corridor-planting-project
To watch our impressive drone footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOatf-j1wWA
