Planting Native Species for Local Wildlife
Predator control and native planting go hand in hand. Reducing rats, possums and mustelids gives native wildlife a better chance, while native plants provide the food, shelter and breeding habitat they need to stay.
As pest control improves and gullies are restored, we’re seeing more native birds and other wildlife around Tamahere. To keep them here — not just passing through — we need to keep improving habitat in gardens, gullies, river edges and larger restoration areas.
Resources
Check out these resources about planting natives in your backyard or gully property:
Predator Free NZ: make your place more attractive to native birdlife
Forest and Bird: native plants that attract birds
Kiwi Backyard by Andy Ellis: tips for growing native NZ plants in your backyard
Our local notes
Planting for kererū: Kererū need large native trees and seasonal food sources to stay and breed locally. Planting the right species helps turn gardens, gullies and stream edges into better habitat. Read: Planting for kererū
Pest plants in restoration areas: Restoring gullies is not only about planting natives — it also means recognising and controlling pest plants such as pampas, woolly nightshade, privet and old man’s beard. Check out our blog: Toetoe or pampas?
For well-priced native plants, visit these local nurseries:
Tamahere Nursery: Run by volunteers from the Waikato Ecological Restoration Trust at 284 Airport Road. Contact the Tamahere Nursery team for more details.
Full Bloom Nursery: Located on Newstead Road.
Forest Flora: Based in Ngaruawahia.
Restore Native: On Asplin Road, Cambridge. They provide plants for larger orders over 250 and offer help with planting and maintenance. Check out their Facebook post about our local gullies. Contact Adam for more details.
Need help with gully planting or gully pest management?
Local companies such as Titoki Landcare and Green Footprint can provide advice and practical support for larger restoration areas. We’ve found Adam Purcell and the Titoki Landcare team, and Clare and Tim from Green Footprint, knowledgeable and helpful.
Have a gully, river edge or restoration area?
Tell us what you’re working on. Some of our volunteers have hands-on gully restoration experience and may be able to connect you with local planting advice, nearby restorers, or spare self-seeded natives such as kahikatea or cabbage tree seedlings.