Restoring the Heart of Cheviot Street Reserve

Nestled in the heart of Mangawhai, the Cheviot Street Reserve (accessed from Devon St, Cheviot St and Lincoln St) has become a sanctuary tended by a dedicated group of landowners. Since 2019, their quiet determination has transformed this once-neglected patch of nature. Armed with gloves, spades, and a shared commitment to conservation, they’ve turned tangled thickets into a thriving ecosystem.

Belinda and Helen, the pioneers of this endeavour, orchestrated the initial assault on invasive species. Armed with backpack sprayers a small group of residents descended upon the reserve with the goal of obliterating the notorious climbing asparagus —the worst culprit that had smothered the land – but careful to avoid the pockets of natural regenerating forest. Patches of Pampas grass and gorse also fell under their efforts. Then began the long slog of on-going hand control and selected spraying to keep the climbing asparagus under control.

The weeds continue to fight back so maintenance continues—a labour of love. Roly, the group leader, along with Brenda, Ian and others, meets every Monday. They swap stories, laugh, and admire their efforts. Roly and the team now know every nook and cranny of Cheviot Street Reserve. One section of the Reserve (near the Lincoln Road entrance) remains in the clutches of the climbing asparagus. Alongside the continued maintenance of the rest of the Reserve, tackling this hold out is the next objective.

But this isn’t just about eradication, it’s about witnessing nature reclaim its territory. Birds have returned and now fly among branches with their songs echoing through the reserve.

Each year since 2020 planting working bees have taken place. Volunteers have gathered with a shared passion for restoration. Native trees and shrubs have been generously funded as part of the Billion Trees initiative as well as by Kaipara District Council through the contestable Reserves Contribution Fund with local landowners planting them with care to create something for the future. The plant species have been carefully selected to be appropriate for the coastal site and to provide food for the birds.

Recently, the cycle repeated and another planting bee buzzed with activity as volunteers, old and new, joined forces. They pulled weeds, dug holes, and planted 130 new native plants. The Cheviot Street Reserve welcomed these fresh additions, expanding its embrace of native flora. Ricky and Jess from Mangawhai Natives, our local nursery, deserve a heartfelt thank you. Their generous plant discounts fuelled this restoration effort. Ricky and Jess—thank you!

If you feel the pull—the desire to be part of something greater, Cheviot Street Reserve welcomes you. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice with goodwill in your heart, there’s a place for you. Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll introduce you to Roly and the team. Or, if there is a reserve near you that needs a bit of TLC, talk to us about initiating a similar local weed action group. Together, we’ll continue this journey one weed at a time, one native plant at a time. Because in the end, it’s not just about the land; it’s about the legacy we leave behind and a gift for generations to come.

So come, join us where hope takes root and community flourishes. 🌿🌱🌼