Silverstream Care Group

Silverstream Railway

Where can you find the group?

Formed in 2002 as a partnership between members of Upper Hutt Forest and Bird and the Silverstream Railway, the Silverstream Care Group is working on restoring the wetland and streamsides of Hull’s Creek. They look after a stretch of the stream between Reynolds Bach Drive and Field Street. Check out an aerial photo of the area.

Greater Wellington contact Richard Romijn.

	Stream banks early on

Stream banks now

What has the group done?

The group has actively sought the support of the local community. Local schools, scouts, girl guides, churches and businesses have participated in working bees. In the 2006/2007 financial year they received funding from The Ministry of the Environment’s Sustainable Management fund to assist with restoration work.

The group has:

o Prepared a restoration plan

o Arranged extensive weed control

o Planted 8000 native plants

o Weeded and looked after the newly planted areas

o Removed rubbish from the stream side

o Removed willows from the stream edge

oCreated a fish pass to enhance the passage of native fish to the upper stretches of the stream

oProduced a sign to inform the public about the project

Current activities

This year more of the stream sides will be planted with native sedges, toetoe and flax. This will provide suitable spawning habitat for fish. Further from the stream edge native trees will be planted to create shelter and to help prevent erosion. A major focus for 2009 is to plant the area at the northern end of the site, off Field Street.

We always welcome new volunteers. The Silverstream Care Group will have working bees on the following dates in 2009.

Please meet at the planting site off Field Street by the Silverstream underpass. Look out for the Take Care flag. Refer to map of planting site.

Wear sturdy footwear and layers of warm clothing. If you can, bring your own gloves and tools. Usually we will have some spare tools if you just want to turn up.Refreshments areprovided.

Planting site for 2009