Many of the city's neighbourhood parks are cared for with the help of the local community. Find out how you can get involved!

Community planting; photographer Aaron Campbell.

During autumn, winter and spring, volunteer work is often focused around planting, weeding and mulching. In summer, work is mainly weeding, watering and litter removal.

Bring sturdy footwear, a bottle of water, snacks and warm clothes. Some gloves and spades are provided but bring your own if you can.

Regular working bees

Thistledown Reserve

There are monthly working bees at Thistledown Reserve on Saturday mornings between 10am and 12 noon.

Tasks include planting, pruning, weeding and mulching. Wear gumboots or old sneakers as there are wet and muddy areas on site.

Download the 2019 schedule. [PDF, 581 KB]

Bexley Park

There's a regular working bee in Bexley Park on the second Saturday of every month, 10am to 12 noon.

Email Karen Smith at Karen.J.Smith@ccc.govt.nz to register your interest or find out more information.

Drayton Reserve

Drayton Reserve also holds regular working bees, check the Drayton Reserve Volunteers(external link) website for details of upcoming planting days.

Special events

Brooker Reserve Community Planting
Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park will be planting 1500 trees into the Brooker Reserve area over four days this winter:

  • Sunday 19 May, 10am to midday
  • Sunday 16 June, 10am to midday
  • Sunday 18 August, 10am to midday
  • Sunday 8 September, 10am to midday

Contact avonotakaroforestpark@gmail.com for more information.

Carradale Reserve Community Planting

Help us plant native shrubs and trees in Carradale Drainage Reserve.

Sunday 25 May, 9am. Meet opposite 16 Torbeg Lane, Broomfield. Parking is available along Carradale Avenue or Arcon Drive.

Bring your own spade and gloves if you can, limited available for those who don't have their own.

Register your interest with Heidi.Wilton@ccc.govt.nz