Restoring the amenity and nature conservation values of gravel pits: an ecological restoration and community engagement approach

Abstract

In lowland areas of New Zealand, there are thousands of ‘gravel pits’ located on public and private land. These are the result of gravel (aggregate) extraction, largely for constructing roads during the 19th century. However, many of these gravel pits have since been used as rubbish dumps. This research concerns a gravel pit on public land adjacent to the small township of Prebbleton on the Canterbury Plains. A proposal was presented to the formally recognised community group and the District Council to convert the gravel pit into a nature reserve and amenity area. The completion of the project depended on several key factors, including the vision of one person, the early preparation and project planning, the locality of the gravel pit, support from local government, management of the project, support from the local community, and the legal status of the site. These key factors, together with the sequence of steps described here, could provide helpful background and guidance for restoration and management of other gravel pits and environmentally degraded areas.