Beautifying Picton: Supporting Nature and Tourism

Introduction

Picton Dawn Chorus Inc.(PDC), which includes Kaipupu Sanctuary, has been operating for 10 years and has 182 volunteers. Our journey began with trapping bird predators to protect Kaipupu Sanctuary from predator invasions and to restore native birdlife in and around Picton. As we grew, we identified the need to establish a year-round food source for native birds. To address this, we created the Ngahere Planting Group, which plants a variety of native species to sustain bird populations throughout the year. With around 50 volunteers, this group is instrumental in planting and maintaining native flora. We are continually seeking more volunteers to ensure that planted areas thrive and survive long-term. We have funding from Trees That Count to plant 600 natives this year. 

Our Idea

We propose that the Council increase its commitment to beautifying the Picton environment by enhancing its planting programme. We suggest a commitment to plant (say) 100,000 native trees over (say) 5 years. Such an ambition would not necessarily be costly to the Council, as there are funders such as Trees That Count, and the Honda Tree Trust, that will fund well-planned, large-scale planting programmes.

Our Ngahere Planting Group could provide all the labour for planting and maintenance, as well as provide scientific expertise on a detailed planting plan. We are confident that we could raise a larger volunteer base, if the Council would make a formal plan and commit to its role - a planting plan and administrative support via Parks & Open Spaces.

The Benefits

1. Environmental Improvement: Increasing the number of native trees would enhance the local ecosystem by providing habitat and food for native bird species, improving biodiversity, and contributing to ecosystem restoration.
2. Support for Native Birdlife: With an increased year-round food supply and habitat for birds, the project would help sustain and potentially increase local bird populations, benefiting local conservation efforts.
3. Tourism Boost: A more vibrant natural environment with flourishing birdlife and native flora would attract more tourists, enhancing Picton's reputation as a beautiful, nature-rich destination. Picton is the gateway to Marlborough! 
4. Community Engagement: The project would foster greater community involvement by expanding the volunteer base and creating opportunities for residents to actively contribute to environmental conservation.
5. Climate Change Mitigation: Planting a significant number of native trees contributes to carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change.
6. Cost-Effective Implementation: Leveraging funding from organisations such as Trees That Count, and the use of volunteer labour, would reduce the financial burden on the Council.