We are working with the community around the stream to plant native trees, grasses and shrubs on its banks. These will provide a natural habitat to support fish, birds and insects and contribute to a thriving stream ecosystem.

We are also improving fish passage, which will involve making it easier for the fish to swim up and down the stream so they can migrate to and from their breeding grounds. We do this by putting in baffles across the stream current to slow it down, and by making resting areas where fish can take a break from swimming upstream against the current.

Earlier this year we made it easier for fish to navigate the Marsden Valley gravel trap and the culvert under Main Road Stoke.

We’d love to see people getting involved with this project. Planting will be happening at several locations from May - July 2021, with opportunities for the community to get involved.

Plants will also be available for those whose properties back on to the stream – Contact Healthy.Streams@ncc.govt.nz if this applies to you.

Check out this story from Nayland College on their planting.