First Stage of Wetland Creation Soon to Start

Physical works to create a wetland in Fitzroy begins next week with the removal of around 100 pine trees.

The trees in Peringa Park, next to Lake Rotomanu, will be taken down over the following fortnight (weather permitting) and mulched on-site, with the stumps left in place.

“That will enable the nutrients from the trees to return to the soil and give a good start to the wetland,” says Manager Parks Mark Bruhn.

The wetland will perform an important environmental role in the health of Lake Rotomanu, as stormwater from Fitzroy will be directed into the wetland for cleaning before it reaches the lake.

“Wetlands are natural filters,” says Manager Water and Wastes Brent Manning.

“They take in water with all its sediments, trap those in its soil and plants, and then cleaned water flows out the other side – in this case, into Lake Rotomanu.

“We’ll be planting suitable plants in the wetland that will thrive in that environment, and we should see new animal species taking up residence there over the years.”

Mr Manning says site excavation and construction of the wetland itself will take place over summer, and the planting will start in early winter.

Walkways through this area of Peringa Park will be closed during the removal of the pine trees, and the lake’s road will be reduced to one lane when nearby trees are felled.