A four-wheel driveclub has joined forces with the Department of Conservation to fund and plant native shrubs and trees to help cover damage done by vehicles.

The Mid Canterbury club helped plant natives at Buicks Bridge, near the Ōtūwharekai/Ashburton Lakes, where there was significant damage on a hillside by other 4WD users of the area. 

DOC Community Ranger Stephanie Mercer says there were large wheel ruts up the hill and the club hoped planting trees and shrubs would deter any more off-track driving in this area.

“I was so impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the club members.  They gave up their time in the weekend, especially in an area where they had not caused the damage themselves. Everyone who came said they’re keen to stop this kind of thing happening in the future, and to do more planting early next year,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie says this kind of community support is incredibly valuable to DOC.  

“We are incredibly lucky to have these conservation-minded groups who are keen to take action for nature and are so willing to help us protect and restore areas of ecological significance such as Ōtūwharekai,” she says.

4WD club member Bryce Champness says while his group weren’t the ones who did the damage to the area, he felt a responsibility to fix it.

“I was out doing an Ashburton Lakes bird survey, I saw these large tyre tracks up the side of the hill, and I thought how can we help fix or hide them as it’s ruined the look of this beautiful valley. We talked to DOC and then got funds from the Southern branch of the NZ Four Wheel Drive Association and away we went,” he says.

Bryce says it’s frustrating when people he calls “bunches of idiots” go off track, showing off and ignoring the damage they’re causing.

“You’ve got to be aware of where you are. There are some people who don’t follow the rules and give 4WD enthusiasts a bad name.  We want to get the message out that there are lots of places you can go and enjoy driving through but going off track in conservation areas isn’t acceptable,” he says.

Stephanie Mercer says the work done by the club will have a long-lasting effect on the ecosystem.

“The plants were all eco-sourced from Arowhenua Native Nursery and Restoration. As they grow, they’ll provide a further seed source for the surrounding area which will contribute to future natural revegetation.”