Baigent’s Bush Scenic Reserve in Pigeon Valley has a brand-new boardwalk and gravel paths thanks to assistance from the Tasman Environmental Trust.
The Trust is a conservation connector, supporting grassroots environmental projects, enabling communities to protect and restore their own backyards.
In 2022, a larger block of land containing a 9.5-hectare area was subdivided and vested as a reserve, honouring the wishes of the Baigent family, who once owned the land. Last year, it was officially classified as a Scenic Reserve.
Over the past few years, our Reserves and Facilities team has worked with various community groups to prepare the woodland area for public enjoyment, doing work such as weed control, building perimeter fencing, and installing informative signage.
As well as numerous recent restoration plantings, the reserve is also home to ancient native trees, including tōtara, mānuka, and kahikatea, some of which are believed to be more than 500 years old.
Tasman Environmental Trust funded the new features in response to last year’s June and July floods. The money also covered fence replacement and planting.
The new boardwalk will allow for more infill planting, removing the mown grass area and protecting the ancient bush from foot damage.