This project is transforming abandoned Crown Land along SH60 to create a native forest corridor, linking the Moutere Inlet to the Waimea Estuary. The area was overrun by wilding pines, gorse and blackberries after the new SH60 was built. The project team have a vision for an abundant native forest for future generations to enjoy by increasing biodiversity, providing a safe haven for migrating birds and insects, and enhancing the Dicker Ridge community walking and cycling track.
Community volunteers have planted 13,800 trees on 3.5 hectares, with another 3.8 hectares cleared and mulched ready for planting in 2024/2025. The winter of 2024 saw another 11,000 trees going into the ground. For 2025/2026 they are clearing more land and planting another 10,000-12,000 trees.
The project has received praise from the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird, Restoring the Moutere, NZ Landcare Trust and Ngāti Rārua, and was gifted 9,300 trees as part of New Zealand’s gift to celebrate King Charles III coronation through Project Crimson.
And it’s all made possible by the amazing mahi of the community volunteers and the project funders, including NZ Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund, the Rātā Foundation, Nelson Building Society, NZ Motorhome and Caravan Association, Trees That Count, Network Tasman, Tasman District Council and other individual sponsors.
You can get involved by donating – or become one of our amazing community volunteers! Help is needed for winter plantings and with regular weeding and trapping. Join our volunteer database by emailing [email protected]
Every $10 (tax deductible) you donate pays for the planting of one tree, including the cost of a plant guard and weed maintenance for two years.
DONATE here: https://www.tasmancommunity.org.nz/te-mamaku-drive-ruby-bay-bypass-corridor-planting-project
Watch our impressive drone footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOatf-j1wWA
