It was squelchy underfoot - but the sun was out and there was a sense of a good job being done at Saturday’s Lawrence Oliver Park community planting.

More than 25 people – volunteers and staff – were there for the planting which was the latest step in the creation of a 2.7ha treatment wetland.

The 2400 plants added to the 3000 already there.

The wetland is being developed to improve water quality, support wildlife, reduce flooding and add to the park’s recreational and cultural value.

Jackson Efford, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s principal adviser, land and water, has overseen the new wetland development.

Some of the volunteers at last Saturday’s planting day. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

A variety of sedges were planted on the wetland margins, including carex geminata, carex secta, carex virgata and cyperus ustulatus - all capable of withstanding flooding.

Their dense growth filters out contaminants like silt.

Also planted on Saturday were kahikatea, reflecting the historic character of the wider area as wetland and kahikatea forest, cabbage trees and flax.

“The Kaituna plains were historically all in wetlands prior to land clearance and drainage, so it’s good to be part of a restoration process,” said Efford.

“During the project we excavated down into old kahikatea trees buried in the peaty wetland soil. One buried tree was radiocarbon dated and found to be over 3900 years old.”

Previously, the standing water areas were planted with jointed twig rush and lake club rush which can both tolerate growing in standing water thanks to spongy or hollow stems allowing oxygen to move down to their roots.

Treatment wetlands were excellent at filtering sediment and nutrients from water as it moves through the wetland.

RSE worker Pierre Meindu lending a hand. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

“Once the wetland has had some time to establish, we should start seeing improved water quality entering Managh’s Drain.”

Efford said the next step was to keep on top of the weeds as the new plants were establishing themselves and at some point it may be necessary to desilt the ponds.

He’s pleased with the work carried out by volunteers on Saturday and said it’s “cool to see a little bit of wetland being recreated and restored” in the Bay of Plenty region where 97% of wetland has been lost.

Owned by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the area being developed sits between the dog exercise area at the southern end of the reserve and the BMX pump track in the northwest corner.

It was previously leased for livestock grazing.

It has unique cultural values, as it is adjacent to the pā site Te Aore which was a camp for forces during a battle at Te Tumu.

The project is a joint initiative between the district and regional council, which maintains Managh’s Drain bordering the reserve, and the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway Society, who previously established a 4km public pathway in the area.

Local tangata whenua have contributed to the establishment of the wetland and there has also been support from TECT and Fonterra.