Woodhaugh Gardens to be restored

Les Cleveland with native trees destined to be planted at the wind-swept Woodhaugh Gardens in Dunedin. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Wind-battered Woodhaugh Gardens in Dunedin will receive thousands of dollars worth of new native trees, thanks to "Mr Daffodil" and the Dunedin Amenities Society.

When gale-force winds hit parts of the forest canopy in May, the gardens received massive damage.

Dunedin Amenities Society website editor Paul Pope said it was "devastating".

"The [Woodhaugh] Gardens are such a unique part of the Town Belt," he said.

To support these "unique" gardens, the Dunedin Amenities Society will plant more than 700 native trees to restore the reserve. The trees will be planted on July 16 on a public planting day which starts at 10am.

Mr Pope said it would not be easy to plant so many trees in one day.

"I really hope people come along to help."

Dunedin Amenities Society member Les Cleveland, who refers to himself as "Mr Daffodil", has grown more than $3000 worth of plants for the event from his own 100ha garden.

Thanks to his involvement, a group of volunteers in town from international rotary clubs will be able to help with the task.

Mr Cleveland said he looked forward to seeing Woodhaugh get "beautified" and public participation would be welcomed.