Volunteers planted more than 500 buffer plants at Pātea Salt Marsh in South Taranaki

Volunteers planted more than 500 buffer plants in the Patea Salt Marsh.
photo: Source: South Taranaki District Council

Volunteers planted more than 500 buffer plants to help protect South Taranaki’s ecologically important Patea Salt Marsh.

The salt marsh covers several hectares and is located along the tidal stretch of the Patea River. It is the largest area of ​​ribbon wood/sea rush vegetation between the Manawatu and Tongaporutu River mouths in the North Taranaki region.

South Taranaki District Council organised the tree planting event, which coincided with World Environment Day.

Reforestation co-ordinator Joe Churchman said salt marshes play a vital role in coastal ecosystems.

“Salt marshes are habitats for birds, freshwater fish and reptiles. Protecting and restoring salt marshes is essential to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.”

From left to right: Cindy Koen (Environment and Sustainability Manager, South Taranaki District Council), Jacq Dwyer (Pātea Community Committee Chair) and Mick Parsons (Community Volunteer) planting buffer plants at Pātea Salt Marsh.
photo: Source: South Taranaki District Council

Churchman said saltmarsh habitats were rare in Taranaki, so it was important to preserve the site in the best possible condition.

The Patea Salt Marsh is included in the Taranaki Regional Council’s Critical Native Ecosystems Plan and both councils are working with the community to protect the marsh, which is listed as “critically endangered”.

“Our efforts will focus on fencing the salt marsh to prevent livestock damage, planting buffer strips to improve habitat and water quality, and controlling pests and animals,” Churchman said.

“We will also be setting up monitoring sites to better understand how the area is changing over time.”

The salt marshes can be seen by crossing the Patea River Bridge on State Highway 3 at the south end of town.