Uretara Estuary Margin
The integrity and condition of estuary margin vegetation is generally poor due to historic land clearance, urban and horticulture expansion into coastal margin buffer zones, mangrove proliferation and ongoing erosion of the coastal margin.
Despite the lack of habitat some birdlife is still tenaciously hanging on, including fern birds and banded rails. Pest control along the river bank and estuary margin began in 2004 and has no doubt alleviated the pressure on the few remaining birds, and their chances of survival have been boosted over recent years by volunteers planting to stabilise banks, improve habitat and to provide sources of food.
Plantings along the Yeoman walkway around to Preston Drive are also very attractive and well maintained providing a great asset for local amblers and ramblers.
