Planting time, and the digging is easy. Around 20 volunteers enjoyed mild weather and soft soil to make quick work of putting 500 native trees and shrubs in the ground at Urumau Reserve on Sunday 22nd June. This left more time for the excellent barbeque that followed.

The hillside above Foster Terrace, once rank grass and weeds, is being steadily replaced by bush, not only expanding habitat for birds and beetles but increasing the scenic value for those using the extensive network of walking and mountain-bike trails. These are soon to be joined by a new loop track through Port Company land beyond the northern edge of the Reserve.

Another 400 native trees and shrubs found new homes on 13 July, and next up, local schoolchildren will roll up their sleeves to plant 100 more, adding youthful energy to this thriving restoration effort.