The Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary Project

Nature in the Neighbourhood

Residents, visitors and volunteers are vital to see this vision through, by taking action in their own backyards and community spaces including: removing invasive weed species, growing and planting native plants, trapping and monitoring introduced mammalian predators, as well as taking part in Citizen Science, the online community and being involved at an organisational level as part of the steering group.

Current Projects include:

Habitat Restoration through our Backyard Ecosystems Program

-Backyard planting and weeding - we have native plants available for your backyard!

-Community planting and weeding - Lindsay Creek - Riparian habitat restoration

-Plant propagation at our tiny, but mighty, propagation nursery.

Lindsay Creek Restoration Plan

We are working towards a long-term plan for the restoration of Lindsay Creek. Beginning in 2025, our priority will be removing sycamore trees, which are a pest species.

North East Valley’s lush green hills are home to a wide variety of native plants and birds—but one tree is threatening to take over: the sycamore. While beautiful, sycamore trees are highly invasive in New Zealand. They spread quickly, shading out native species, altering ecosystems, and disrupting the natural regeneration of our bush.

Each year, thousands of sycamore seedlings pop up across the Valley, particularly along tracks, gullies, and backyards. Without control, they can form dense stands that crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity. That’s where you can help.

Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary is calling for volunteers to assist with sycamore seedling removal in key areas. Just a few hours of your time can make a real difference in keeping our valley native and wild. Tools and guidance will be provided—no experience needed.

Open VUE will also soon begin mapping large sycamore trees along Lindsay Creek and in Chingford Bush as part of a long-term removal and replanting project. This is a big job, but with community support, we can reclaim our native bush.

Let’s work together to restore native biodiversity in the Valley—one tree at a time.

Predator Management - Backyard Monitoring and Trapping

🌿 Join the Backyard Battle for Biodiversity in North East Valley! 🐦

We’re calling on YOU — our passionate urban nature lovers — to take part in a community-driven conservation mission like no other! The Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary is launching a Predator Trapping Program right here in North East Valley, and we want you on the team.

🛠 What’s This All About?

You’ll be working alongside your neighbours in a collective mission to trap backyard predators (like rats) that threaten our native wildlife. With the tools and guidance provided, you’ll play a hands-on role in conservation — while also contributing to research exploring the effects of domesticated pets on predator activity in urban backyards.

❤️ Why Get Involved?

Help protect native birds, insects, and flora
Strengthen your connection with nature
Contribute to local scientific research
Enjoy a shared sense of purpose with your community
Experience the mental and emotional benefits of volunteering outdoors

Backyard Possum trap Installations

For possums you need a possum trap in a tree. Our Community Trapping Coordinator, can assess your property’s trapping needs, install appropriate traps, and support you in your backyard trapping journey. Backyard possum trapping helps support our beautiful native bird and plant species.

Contact emily@northeastvalley.org if you are interested in hosting a possum trap on your property.

As a prerequisite for trap installation, our Community Trapping Coordinator may ask you a few questions, to ensure the trap can be installed safely on your property (i.e. Is there a suitable tree or fencepost to install the trap?).