The Tanners Point pest free, beautification and walking project is entering its next phase with a planting day organised for this Sunday.

A handful of volunteers formed a group in 2003 with the aim of provide a safe feeding and breeding ground for land and shore birds.

Earthworks needed to run fence line along.

Founder and coordinator Heather Wills says since then they have been working on various projects including rat baiting, possum and ferret/weasel trapping, pest plant removal and replacement with native bird feeder plants.

'In recent years we have been extending the walkways, building board-walks and hope to eventually have more circuit routes around the peninsula and further afield - reaching Northwards to Bridgeman Lane in the next few years.

'We have just made a huge advance in our work after finally getting a verbal agreement in place last July between both Regional and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils and the adjoining land owners, who had been grazing the public land/esplanade reserve.”

During a site visits on July 26, 2013, both councils agreed to fully fund the fencing and Regional Council was to draw up a harbour management plan and pay for the pest and exotic plant removal.

'This is absolutely wonderful for our group to have such a demonstration of support from both councils.” Heather says this is a huge advance environmentally, as cattle were grazing and damaging the marshland adjoining the harbour and farm run off was reaching the harbour only 3-4 metres away.

'Now of course we need to plant the land and develop our walkway across this new piece.

'We hope to get a seat for the flat area at the end from which there is a lovely view down the harbour to Athenree.”

Heather is inviting people to come along and help them out with the planting this Sunday.

'We have planned the planting to occur during the school holidays so children can participate.

'Grandparents might like to bring their grandchildren out to plant a tree that can be re-visited each school holidays if they wish.”

People can meet at 133 and 200 Tanners Point Road, entry via tar sealed driveway at 133 Tanners Point Road, at 1.30pm.

For more information email Heather on 549 1389.