Who are we?
The Gully Gang is a group of Kelburn Normal parents, supported by the PTA, with a shared passion for creating an expanded learning environment for children at our great school. We love getting our hands dirty, sharing some laughs and developing this wonderful resource.
What is the Gully project?
The valley that drops below the top playing area was once a neglected area that became a bit of a dumping ground. Over the past 10 years it has been cleaned up, an adventure playground built and the lower valley revegetated with thousands of natives. The aim is to recreate what the bush looked like here before European settlement.
“It’s a wonderful oasis of bush and birdlife, a peaceful place to escape to.” Mike, parent
What will it mean for our children?
The Gully will eventually be a fun play area for children to explore. Importantly, it will be a valuable learning environment that few other schools have. It will give children a taste of the richness of New Zealand’s bush and a glimpse into the fascinating botanic past of our area. We think there will be many learning opportunities. We hope each classroom develops nature lessons based on what is growing and living in the Gully and perhaps plant its own specimen native tree to nurture.
“I like going to see how my fern is growing in our family’s patch.” Isobel, age 8
What have we achieved?
In August 2008 our hard work was recognised when the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network presented the school with an award acknowledging the Gully as a school project of national significance. The award was presented by John Sawyer, an ecologist at the Department of Conservation.
Since then, the wet and warm summer has been kind to all our natives from the rata to black maire, a local disappearing species. The growth has been staggering for some plants, including the many mamaku or black tree ferns that dot the shady south- facing flank. Many parents and children will also remember the very moving unveiling last October of the beautiful Waharoa – the symbolic carved gateway to the Gully. So we are making good progress and we are determined to build on this.
“It’s just nice to catch up with other parents and get some exercise in a beautiful environment.” Annie, parent
Our challenge now
We want to improve access so more can enjoy the Gully whether it is teachers and children or parents. Right now classrooms can’t easily access the Gully – it’s too steep and uneven in many places. So we are pricing the construction of steps as part of a phased project to build multiple walkways and we are looking at fundraising options.
How can you help?
Weeding: join the Gully Gang and help the natives shake off the weeds. It’s a good way to exercise in a lovely environment with great company.
