Tributary's restoration begins

Carterton's Mangatarere Restoration Society, a volunteer group dedicated to improving the water quality of the Mangatarere Stream, has begun a year-long intensive planting project.

The society recently planted more than 1000 natives along the stream near Brooklyn Road bridge.

They plan to plant thousands more up to February next year.

Project co-ordinator Esther Dijkstra said the stream was significant because it was the main tributary into the Waiohine River and had been identified as an important spawning ground for brown trout, as well as four native fish species.

"In 2009, water quality tests showed that the stream was suffering from the effects of storm water and waste water discharge, nutrient leaching and stock accessing the stream," she said.

"Studies suggest that riparian planting [planting along the river's borders] will improve the water quality by helping to filtrate the nutrients, provide shade for the aquatic life and prevent stock reaching the water's edge.

"We are committed to returning this important waterway to its former health."

The Mangatarere Restoration Society's next day of planting is this Saturday, July 13 at 1pm. Anyone wanting to help out should meet at Brooklyn Road Bridge, Brooklyn Rd, Carterton with gloves and a spade.

For more information see www.mangatarere.org.nz