Nature fix Story and photography by Rebecca Jamieson
Summer is a great season to explore nature. If you’re short on time, urban bush reserves are perfect for getting a quick nature fix. Masterton local Rebecca Jamieson discovers these special places, and how they can benefit our well being.
those with little time or limited transport options. That’s why urban reserves are so vital. They allow you to fit a quick walk in your lunch hour, between appointments, over a busy weekend, or after school with the kids. So where in Wairarapa can you get your nature
There is something almost magical about
fix? As well as Millennium Reserve, Masterton’s
small urban bush reserves. They remind me of a
Manuka Reserve in Lansdowne is a favourite of mine,
scene from The Secret Garden. High walls hide an
and puts on an amazing display of white lacebark
oasis of nature in the middle of town. Masterton’s
flowers at certain times of the year. The reserve
Millennium Reserve is one of my favourites. Beyond
connects onto one of the Masterton Recreation
the fortress of trees are meandering trails, pure
Trails leading back to Fourth Street - making it the
water springs, joyful bird song, and a rich diversity
perfect interlude to a longer walk.
of plant life.
Greytown has the Soldiers Memorial Park where
I explored the reserve recently with my son
the grand old totara trees stand guard over the play
John. We stopped along the track to admire the
area and campground. Take a short walk through
abundance of bright yellow kowhai flowers and
the neighbouring O’Connor’s Bush and you’ll find
delicate red kakabeak. John climbed trees and
rangiora leaves as large as dinner plates.
searched for bugs in the stream, while I admired
Featherston is spoilt for choice. Featherston
the view and the song of a grey warbler. I felt calm
Domain provides an energetic climb, rewarded with
and rejuvenated.
views of the town below and the Wairarapa Moana
We emerged back out onto the street as a car
beyond. Or you can take a short walk around Barr-
rushed past. I was quickly transported from the
Brown Bush Reserve, just down the road. Dorset
tranquility of the reserve back to busy urban life.
Square is also worth a visit to see the acrobatic
Nature has a way of doing that - taking you away
troupe of tui who love the plentiful kowhai trees.
from the business of life and leaving you feeling
Though you won’t find any urban bush reserves
more rested. In fact, it’s proven that walking in
in Carterton and Martinborough, a quick stroll
nature benefits not only our physical wellbeing, but
through Carterton’s Carrington Park or along
also our mental health.
Martinborough’s Palliser Vineyard Walk is just as
A study led by Chiba University in Japan compared the effects of a 15 minute walk in a forest setting with those of an inner city walk. The study found the forest walkers showed a lower level of cortisol, the stress hormone, compared to the city walkers. But access to forested areas is challenging for
good. Or you could explore a bit further afield and visit Fensham or Carter Scenic Reserves. Now you know where to find your local ‘Secret Garden’ - get out and explore! A special thanks to local councils and the hard working community groups who look after these precious green urban spaces.