Biodiversity restoration and resources

There are many ways you can help the Wellington region’s special biodiversity.  

Restoration planting and trapping pests on your property is a great help. GWRC has information available to help you decide what to plant and find out about the different ecosystem types.

Community restoration groups and individuals are dedicating time and effort in many places around the region. The Nature Space website can help you find groups you may be interested in joining.

There are groups which help monitor kiwi and those who plant sand-binding natives to restore dunes. You can get involved with all sorts of activities, from planting and weeding native plants to monitoring birds and lizards and trapping pests like possums and stoats.

These activities all have a positive impact on the ecosystems around us and can also strengthen community relationships and encourage spending time outdoors.

GWRC has prepared a range of documents to assist you with helping biodiversity in your area. Check out the ones that interest you in the box to the right. The Nature Space resource centre also has ‘how to’ information for your own restoration projects.

Restoration planting

Often, a major part of restoration for community groups and landowners is planting.

It is important to recognise that even small, scattered blocks can play a significant ecological role. They provide habitat (homes and food) for our native animals, help protect our soils from erosion and add to the visual diversity of our landscape.

The information below can help you with planning your restoration planting, either in small areas or for large bush blocks.

Restoration planting

Managing your bush block

Which native plants to plant?

The Wellington Regional Native Plant Guide has information about how you can use native plants to help our ecosystems flourish and at the same time beautify your garden and feed native birds. This guide provides practical advice on selecting plants which are ecologically appropriate for your area. The guide is available for purchase from the GWRC Wellington office and from bookstores in the region.

The 15 native plant species we call the Wellington region's "first fifteen" are hardy and well-suited for planting in most parts of the greater Wellington region.

You can either grow your own native plants or buy from nurseries. For more information, check out our ecosourcing and planning tips.

A publication that contains a wealth of information on managing native forest is Bush Vitality Assessment: Growing Common Futures, by Helmut Janssen. For further information on its contents and how to purchase a copy visit Bush Vitality.