Pre-human times would have seen Hillcrest covered in forest, containing tall giants of native trees like Kauri, large leaved broadleaved species and and kahikatea in lower wet areas. There would have been plenty of wetlands and even now there are extensive stream networks, be they quite modified by the urban environment. Hillcrest is largely urban, but it does contain numerous, small reserves and forested gully systems on private land which is a boon to wildlife. Many of our native species need as much habitat as they can get, and these islands of forest can act as stepping stones or refuges for many native birds, insects and reptiles. You can help protect and boost the biodiversity of Hillcrest by making sure your property is weed free so invasive seeds don't get into native forest, restoring waterways if you have one passing through your property, hosting a predator trap to prevent possum or rats snapping up our native wildlife which have fewer places to hide or volunteering to look after one of the many beautiful little reserves. 

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Reserves in Hillcrest include Linley Reserve (a beautiful park, largely forested but with an open recreational part and playground at one end. Fantastic Totara to be seen in the park), Monarch Park (with lots of biodiversity potential and recreational space), Stancich Reserve (a great, flat park with a boardwalk to enjoy the bush and recreational areas. Another food basket for Hillcrest as puriri, nikau and kahikatea flower or fruit) and Holland Reserve (full of mighty kahikatea and a food basket for kereru and other wildlife when the female trees set their 'fruit'.)

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Please email volunteers@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz if you would like to find out more about volunteering in Hillcrest Halo.