Nature trail plans on track

Trekkers, cyclists and strollers have a new scenic trail to explore thanks to a hard-working bunch of volunteers, who dedicated a few hundred physical hours in 2017, carving the pathway through arduous scrubland.

Members and supporters of Mangawhai Recreational Charitable Trust (MRCT) removed hardy gorse, pampas and bamboo from native vegetation between Molesworth Drive and Cove Road, in an effort to complete stage one of the organisations long-term plan to link the roads with walking and cycling tracks.

The 3.2km return pathway along the upper estuary from Molesworth Bridge to Cove Road Track offers an opportunity for those who wish to cycle or walk off-road and is now ready for public enjoyment, MRCT chair Craig Jepson says.

“The trail provides an interesting view through the Pohutukawa flanked river bank with mangroves and rushes, then meanders through a shaded forest of Manuka and fern. On the return loop it follows through a bracken and tea tree wetland beneath large mature pines,” he says. “It is user-friendly being 2.5 metres wide and mostly flat which is ideal for both young and old.”

Plans for the second stage include a boardwalk heading towards Cove Road over water, rushes and mangrove areas, and the Trust envisions further stages to incorporate water activities including a floating pontoon and even an art trail.

MRCT formed nearly a year ago, coming together for the sole purpose of planning and constructing cycle tracks and walkways between Molesworth Drive and Cove Road, and have the support of the Kaipara District Council.

“The Trustees – Gordon Hosking, Colin Gallagher, Mark Rowbotham, Noel McCarthy and myself – would like to thank the many contributors, volunteers and funding providers,” Jepson says. “They have made the building of the first stage possible.”

Mangawhai Recreational Charitable Trust secretary, Jeannette Reid, tries out the newly formed trail.