Tucked off Waimea West Road in Brightwater, Snowden’s Bush is a beautiful remnant of native podocarp forest containing ancient tōtara, titoki, and mataī. The area was retired from grazing in the 1970’s, giving native seedlings the chance to flourish. Today this much-loved community treasure is cared for by the Friends of Snowden’s Bush (FofSB) – an enthusiastic group who protect and restore this special place.
To raise funds the group planned a quiz night at the Brightwater Sprig and Fern and members started looking for prizes. But when Alison Pickford reached out to Nelson Mitre 10 Mega for prizes their response was beyond exciting. Mitre 10’s Community Support, led by Murray Leaning, asked if there were any projects that they would like help for instead—and the results were amazing!
What follows is a wonderful story of the power of community. Murray organised materials and labour, DOC gave permission and provided a picnic table, NMIT and DOC trainee rangers pitched in with labour and the Menzshed Waimea got involved too. Together they built paths, created a picnic area and installed three timber seats in the reserve. A month later, Mitre 10 Mega returned with staff to finish the job and planted lots of natives as part of the group’s annual planting program.
This wonderful upgrade was all made possible through Mitre 10’s Helping Hands Program, which was started locally by Murray. And it’s a welcome boost for the Friends of Snowden’s Bush- whose enthusiasm isn’t always matched by available resources! They’re a friendly bunch and always happy to welcome new volunteers —if you’d like to join them, please contact Alison Pickford 027 258 6897.
