We have not yet had our submissions to council heard regarding the resource consent to cut down the pines in Western Springs Forest, which I have already written about.
I am increasingly worried, that although council’s plan is to replant with natives as soon as the pines are removed, time might go by, and the way the pines were felled might leave a hell of a mess, limiting space for native plantings. It is steep in places, and quick replanting will help to stop erosion.
However, my major concern is the quantity and size of the natives to be used, plus the ongoing maintenance of the forest.
My suggestion is to apply to the Minister for Regional Development, Shane Jones, and ask for some money to buy and plant native trees.
Originally, the Government was committed to planting mostly exotic pines, but has been persuaded to plant at least half the land available, in natives. The idea is to restore as much of our indigenous forest cover as possible.
One of the constraints is finding enough land to plant on, so pinching a bit of urban land would make sense. It would also fit very well with the Government’s plan for a predator-free New Zealand by 2050. If the cost of plants was taken out of the equation, our council would only have to find the cost of planting and maintaining the natives. It could also allow larger size plants to be used, so the urban forest could grow more quickly. Natives actually do grow faster than many people realise.
I would suggest that once plants are secured and planted, a Guardians of Western Springs Urban Sanctuary be set up, with the initial task of predator eradication, and then ongoing weed control.
This guardians group would be a local voluntary group under the Council’s Parks and Reserves.
I could see this urban sanctuary maturing quite quickly, bringing back many of our endangered bird species, including my favourite kokako.
How about a return of the dawn chorus to inner city Auckland?
If the decision is made to fell all remaining pines in the forest, then the second part of the programme, replanting in natives, must be planned and managed carefully. Perhaps with the help of Shane Jones. (JOHN ELLIOTT)