Isle of Bags – July 2025 – Nelson Coastcare

To say the least, Isle of Bags has always been a challenge. Our aim has been that we establish revegetation that will not only keep the weeds at bay but also look good and not pose a fire risk. It’s been a real case of “if at first you don’t succeed – try, try, again”.

Some of the challenges we have faced are rabbits and wallabies damaging and destroying season after season of plantings. Many of the new plantings have been choked out by Italian Buckthorn and broadleaf weeds like Buchan Weed and Thistle. As well as that, the topsoil is thin with limestone close to the surface. There are regular salt water inundations at the bottom of the area and we suspect vandalism as well.

This time we decided to propogate some of our own tubestock of two local species that we believe will do well in our area, mostly Correa alba. This is a small ground hugging plant and the bonus is that the rabbits find the plant distasteful. They were planted at a working bee that was held in July. Just in time for some lovely rain! Wish them better luck this year!