Revegetation work at Envirosouth's O'Neill Block Covenant continued in Conservation Week 2001. The 'O'Neill Park Ambassadors' from Gorge Road and Tokanui Schools and other community helpers again ventured forth and were well in to the planting of the 100 odd plants when the rain came down.

Plantings were concentrated in the north east corner this time, with the higher ground being planted out in manuka, and broadleaf, fuschia, pittosporum and koromiko being planted in the wetter areas.

The many helpers carried the plants to the
south east corner of O'Neill Block A for planting.
This side of the bush had been cleared of blackberry
and bracken, so the aim is to get natives growing
and beat the weeds that would come back otherwise.

After being shown by Gary Morgan, Envirosouth, how to plant the trees, it was in to action. Firstly dig the hole!

The plant was carefully removed from the bag
ready for planting. These bags can be used again
for next year's plants. Potting up seedlings in
the spring is another job the schools and
community groups can assist with.

This pittosporum, which has grown well in it's special native potting mix, is ready to go in the hole. The plants we used here were grown at the Otatara Community Nursery.

After carefully spreading the roots out, the soil is put back in around the plant and gently firmed down.
This is a koromiko, a fast growing shrub.

The old fertiliser bags are cut up, and a cross cut in the middle to pull the plant through. Then the corners are dug in to hold the bag firm. This helps to keep the grass down around the young tree.

To try and keep the rabbits from eating the young plants, protector sleeves are put around them.
These were removed in the early autumn, when the trees were getting too big for them. Unfortunately the rabbits had a go at the plantings through the winter, so next year we might try putting some repellent down in late autumn, along with rabbit control.

Many hands make light work. In no time the job was done, and a good one at that. These plants have flourished, and now the plan is for another planting day this year in Conservation Week. O'Neill Block A will be a much healthier piece of bush thanks to the community's assistance with this revegetation work.