Restoration at Ashworths Beach

The finer details of plant life at Ashworths Beach were discussed last week between local experts.

Environment Canterbury’s (Ecan) wetland expert Jason Butt, Ecan’s Alison Bower, Northern Pegasus Bay Coast Care Group (NPBCCG) members Kevin Roche and Caroline Elliot, and Hurunui District Council’s Water and Land Coordinator Rima Herber all enjoyed the session.

Some highlights:

• One of the most intriguing plants noted was a tiny flowering herb, Sebaea ovata, classified as nationally critical and only known from two other locations both in the North Island. Sabaea is doing well in one little spot at Ashworths Beach, with many more plants present this year than last year.
• Elsewhere, a small area which will need to be properly rabbit fenced, contains the largest natural population of Coprosma aerosa in coastal Canterbury.

“A couple of other rare plants, such as pygmy club rush, are so tiny as to be easily overlooked, but there are healthy populations at Ashworths Beach, in the undisturbed areas,” explained Herber.

She said most of the native plants present are rare or have threatened status, and the possibility of restoring parts of the beach to natural ecosystems were discussed.

“Major threats to these fragile ecosystems at Ashworths Beach are weeds, particularly marram grass, rabbits, animal predators and vehicles.”

The Northern Pegasus Bay Coast Care Group is working to restore parts of the coastal environment, from Ashworths Beach to the Amberley Rocks, and is involved in trapping, planting and fencing, as well as advocating for appropriate vehicle use at the beaches.