There is no one right way to restore a waterway.

But many agree that one of the best things you can do to help your local waterway is riparian planting: planting native species in the areas beside waterways.

The roots of these native plants help filter contaminants before they reach the waterway as well as helping to prevent erosion. In the long-term, native plants also add to your area’s biodiversity and encourage the return of native fauna as well.

The best way to get started with riparian planting is to join a local community group like the ones listed on our Water Champions page. If there is no group working in your local area, there are also so great resources to help you get started on your own, such as this Streamside Planting Guide from Christchurch City Council.

The key things to remember are to first fully remove invasive species (as weeds upstream inevitably end up downstream), to plant appropriate native species for your local habitat and to ensure that your young native plants are suitably maintained and watered while they are taking root.