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| January 2001 |
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Budding Green Edge begins to take shape The first step towards the creation of the Green Edge in east Christchurch has been made. People’s views have been sought on a scheme to create the Charlesworth tidal wetland — on low-lying paddocks below Humphreys Drive, between Ferry Road and Charlesworth Street, behind the Avon-Heathcotestuary/Ihutai. In 1991 the Council developed a small wetland area called the Sandpiper pools next to Humphreys Drive. An existing pipe under the road allowed saline water to flow into the low area. This resulted in an ecologically important area of bird habitat and a well-established estuarine salt marsh and Plagianthus (salt marsh ribbon wood). The scheme, which has been given the go-ahead by the Council, will extend the salt marsh and Plagianthus area by building two more culverts connecting the estuarine environment. The main objectives are to increase existing plantings; increase the tidal links to the estuary; create habitat for waterfowl, wading and nesting birds, and increase saline pools and islands. Also, the plan aims to have cycle and pedestrian routes through the reserve and to maintain and increase the existing stand of Plagianthus. The estuary already attracts 26 bird species, totalling 32,000 birds at peak times. The Charlesworth wetland will link with the Green Edge planned for the eastern edge of the city. The overall plan is expected in June while long-term implementation will be developed over 15 years. The plan also provides for the sale of 6000 sq m of surplus land for residential sites. |
