Pocket Forests
Pockets Forests supporting the re-establishment of native wildlife in the Kaiapoi East Red Zone Amenity
KERA with the support of the Waimakariri District Council and regeneration lead Councillor Al Blackie, has the opportunity to lead an initiative that has an inter-generational focus and community-engaged which meets both the Kaiapoi regeneration objectives and wider district biodiversity aspirations
Pocket Forests in the Kaiapoi East Red Zone
Pocket Forests are areas of 10 m x 10m squares that are densely planted with native plants to create a micro forest.
In the KERA led initiative the upper canopy of established trees from the previous homeownership will be used to protect the new plantings of native plants.
Because of the size of pocket forests and the existing established planting there is an opportunity to create a labyrinth of pathways to wander and meander in the peace and tranquilly that is the Kaiapoi East Red zone amenity.
The Pocket Forests will also form part of the bird corridor from the alps to the sea, plus act as a natural habitat for insects and small animals like the New Zealand gecko and skinks to become part of a sustainable eco-system. This concept of developing pocket forests in the Kaiapoi East Red Zone Area is also seen as a 4th September commemoration and personal wellbeing project, which will allow the community to come together to create a dignified living remembrance of what has happened in the township and in time will provide the opportunity for solace and reflection in a tranquil space as the pocket forest establish itself under the canopy of the trees planted by those families who once lived on the now red zone land
Pocket Forest by their nature are only 10m x 10m in size, allowing for families, groups and organisations to take responsibility for each pocket forest.
Residents of Charles Upham, Ryman Healthcare have indicated their support to develop their community’s pocket forest and forest planning is underway for our first official planting day
Our proposed first Pocket Forest planting day and official commissioning of the project is Saturday, September the 11th more information we are available on Facebook as the time draws closer.
Each Pocket Forest is no more than 10m square with native plantings under the established trees that were once part of peoples homes before 4th September 2010.
A collective of Pocket Forests will create a flight corridor for bird and walkways for people.
REBUILDING BROKEN LAND AS A REGENERATION PROJECT SO THECOMMUNITY IN PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE CAN ENJOY
excerts from www.redzoneplan.co.nz 2016
Agreed land uses for Kaiapoi East
Mixed use business (NZMCA, Bus link)
Greenspace (recreation and ecological linkages)
Greenspace (sport and recreation reserve)
Greenspace (memorial garden)
Rural
These land uses take into account and balance the land use assessment criteria including: the Crown and Council’s regeneration objectives; optimising value for money now and in the future; practicality; and resilience.
THE GREENSPACE LAND
Greenspace land used for recreation and ecological linkages will provide high public and community benefit through activities such as walking and cycling paths; seating and picnic areas; native vegetation; a heritage trail acknowledging both the European and Māori history of the area; and opportunities for edible landscapes (e.g. community food forest and gardens).
These land use activities will promote active recreation, support community wellbeing, provide links through and around the regeneration area, and enhance the natural environment. This greenspace area will integrate well with surrounding reserves and residential areas. Greenspace land used as sport and recreation reserve will provide a large recreation area close to Kaiapoi town centre, taking advantage of links with existing riverside reserves, and accommodating identified future sports growth requirements within Kaiapoi and the wider district. Land uses could include up to four full-size playing fields
and associated facilities, a BMX track, a dog park and/or park furniture. These land uses will help to support health and wellbeing, enhance community cohesion, and take into account community aspirations for significant areas to be available for a wide range of active and passive recreational activities. The flooding and geotechnical constraints in this area make this a suitable location for greenspace land. The reserve would also provide connections between Kaiapoi town centre and residential areas to the north east.
All Greenspace
• In the short term, the Crown divests the majority of the land to the Council and the Council will declare the land as reserve. Any land not divested to the Council will be vested in the Council as reserve.
• In the short term, the Council initiates development of and consultation on a reserve master plan for the various greenspace land.
Recreation and ecological linkages
• In the short term, the Council prepares concept plans, detailed design work and costings.
• In the medium to long term, the Council undertakes construction of any physical works in stages, for example landscaping works, walking and/or cycling trails.
Sport and recreation reserve
• In the medium to long term, the Council prepares concept plans, detailed design work and costings.
• In the short to long term, the Council undertakes any physical works in stages.
Memorial garden
• In the long term, the Council prepares concept plans, detailed design work and costings and undertakes any physical works in stages.
Wildlife images by Angela Torrie of At The Lens Photography
Kaiapoi resident, photographer and bird/nature watcher
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