Sanatorium Reserve restoration project
The plan is divided into management units, with priorities and timelines for restoration over five years. The main focus of this work is pest animal control, pest plant & tree removal (predominantly arrow bamboo) and ongoing ecological monitoring.
Funding for the ecological restoration has been allocated in the LTP. In addition, $85,000 has been secured from the Lotteries Environment Fund and Pub Charities for use in 2018-2020. Further funding is being sought to complete the ecological work.
A Council project team has been set up, with Richard Dahlenburg as Project Manager. Wildlands have been contracted to deliver the first 2 years of the restoration work. Work in the reserve will commence in early September 2018.
The second stage of the project will include revegetation and strands round the repurposing of land and buildings in the centre of the reserve; development of appropriate infrastructure such as viewing platforms; cultural/ecological interpretation; and collaboration to fit in with the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant.
This stage will involve significant consultation/planning with iwi and conservation partners and reserve users.