A new perspective on Cannons Creek Valley

Witness the transformation of bush in the Cannons Creek Valley, Porirua, and see what a difference restoration makes at Before and After – a guided walk on Saturday 3 March.

Led by the Friends of Maara Roa environmental restoration group, Before and After will give people a new perspective on the Cannons Creek Valley and bush, says Friends’ founding member Sylvia Jenkin.

“What a difference a decade makes! When the Friends started restoring part of Cannons Creek bush in 1999, much of the area was heavily degraded with lots of pest animals and burnt gorse. But thanks to intensive possum control and replanting, the area is being transformed for the better – so much so that many recent visitors have no idea of what the place was like in the 1990s,” says Sylvia.

The Friends’ guides will take participants on a walk that begins with some examples of degraded bush, followed by areas that have been restored and have protections – such as “green” firebreaks – in place to prevent damage and degradation in the future.

This event is part of the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Great Outdoors summer events programme. For a full list of events, visit www.gw.govt.nz/events.

Before and After
Belmont Regional Park
Saturday 3 March, 10am-12.30pm

Getting there: Exit SH1 at Mungavin Interchange and follow Champion Street to Cannons Creek shops, turn right at roundabout, left into Bedford Street and park at Glenview School 400m on the left.

This is a free event. Moderate fitness required. Booking essential: bookings@gw.govt.nz, 04 830 4041 or visit www.gw.govt.nz/events.