Castlecliff Coast Care

Castlecliff Coastal Reserve is a 25 hectare area of significant coastal dunes. Prior to 2005 little attention had been given to conservation or restoration of this area.

Acacia sophorae, a sand binding shrub native to Australia, was introduced to Castlecliff rear dunes in the 1930’s to mitigate soil erosion and sand migration. The shrub has proved invasive, and out competes or shades out native plants. Thus, modifying dune habitats and reducing genetic diversity in a globally threatened ecosystem. Boxthorn and other weeds are common.

Since then Progress Castlecliff’s Coast Care group have organized weed clearing, then planting and stabilization of the area with native plants endemic to the region.

This dune restoration contributes to the overall environmental improvement of an important coastal dune system. In contrast to many other dune restoration areas, because the Reserve is adjacent to Castlecliff Domain and residential housing, the Community gains an enhanced local amenity.

The project provides environmental learning opportunities to school children and Community groups, thus enhancing the ecological knowledge of the Community.Typically 300 to 500 children visit the local beaches, and have the opportunity to mulch and water plants and enjoying the nature trail’s “bugs and beasties hunt”.

Regular Community planting days in the winters are well attended by people from all areas of Whanganui.

People referred from Whanganui Volunteers, and recently the Probation Service are involved in the Coast Care project.

Provision of outdoor “work” and “volunteer” opportunities assists people in the wider Whanganui Community.

The Coast Care group has received several regional weed buster awards, a National DoC Conservation 2010 award and the NZ Dune Restoration Trust’s “Best Coastal Community Group” award 2012. less ↑