Grovetown Lagoon is one of the few natural wetlands remaining on the Wairau Plain.
Historically the lagoon, and adjoining wetlands and waterways were considered a mahinga kai (food resource) by iwi and as such these were highly valued for the abundance of freshwater foods and resources such as inanga, tuna and patiki. Long-term neglect of the riparian margins and discharges into the lagoon resulted in a degraded waterbody . The restoration project seeks to improve the water quality and ecological values of the lagoon in an effort to contribute toward improved habitat for fish and birds that the entire community can enjoy. Steps taken to improve the water quality and ecological values of the lagoon will result in an environment where there will be improved habitat for fish and birds, and where people can fish and swim once again. The Grovetown Lagoon project adds to the other projects in the area by restoring wildlife habitat on the Lower Wairau floodplain, adding to the network of wetlands.
The Grovetown Lagoon Project presents a unique opportunity for the Marlborough community, to come together and bring about positive environmental change, and enhanced ecology, and improved water quality and landscape. .. The Grovetown Lagoon restoration is a project that enables the members of the community and working group to share in the responsibility of protecting threatened habitats and biodiversity, such as springfed waterways and natural wetlands
The lagoon is currently home to a variety of birds – and eventually the community will have easy access to walk around and see the birds and the lagoon from different viewpoints. Birds seen at Grovetown include pukeko, coot, mallard, shoveler duck, paradise duck, grey teal, black shags, black swan, little white throated shags, black backed gulls, welcome swallows, blackbirds, song thrushes, goldfinches, starlings and harrier hawks. Currently birds can be most easily viewed from on the water, and the eventual installation of pathways will enable a greater range of people to experience the wonderful wildlife of the lagoon. As restoration proceeds, and the willow dominated vegetation is converted to vegetation more typical of an east coast wetland, we may see the mix of species change. The results of the work to remove the willows is obvious in the picture below. Inter-planting with native species is ongoing and we look forward to seeing the changes as the years go by.