Students plant for the future at Thomsons Ford Road

More than 600 native trees are in the ground at Thomsons Ford Road, thanks to a community planting day that brought together local schools, environmental groups, and Council Enviroschools educators.

Students from Wairau Valley, Springlands, and Rapaura Schools joined the team from Trees for Marlborough to mark Arbor Day with some meaningful mahi. The event was organised by Junior Landcare, Wairau Nature Network, and Enviroschools Marlborough.

The work served a dual purpose - to restore the area and create a demonstration site for low-flammability green breaks. With Marlborough's hot, dry summers and increasing wildfire risk, native species were carefully selected to help slow the spread of potential fire, while also restoring biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife.

Before picking up spades, tamariki learned how to plant native trees correctly, including how to lay weed mats and place plant guards to give young plants the best chance of survival. By the end of the day, more than 600 trees had been planted, including 12 special Mataī.

Council Environmental Educator Angela Wentworth said the day was about more than just planting trees.

"These tamariki were planting natives for future generations. The real gift is for their children and grandchildren, who will one day be able to sit under the shade of these trees. It’s an amazing legacy to be part of,” she said.

The trees will continue to grow long after the students have moved on, creating habitat, protecting the landscape, and providing enjoyment for generations to come.