Written by Clare Cross, Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary coorindator.
Throughout Dunedin, many people are looking after their own and public spaces through wildlife-friendly actions such as trapping, planting and weeding. The Lindsay Creek Catchment is a special place to me and receives a lot of care by people who are looking after its environs. Here’s two of my favourite places in this area.
Bethunes Gully
There’s something quite special about how close Bethunes Gully is to the edge of the city. It really is just a stone’s throw away. Passing under the gateway at the entrance, and down a short driveway opens into a clearing. Children will often be playing on the swings, or enjoying the tranquillity of the bubbling Lindsay Creek. Tūī and bellbirds are usually heard singing amongst the trees. Kereru make their presence known, swooping around with a satisfying, “whomp, whomp” sound.
Learn about some of the creatures that call the freshwater of Lindsay Creek their home on the signage as you arrive. Follow the track up Mount Cargill. Notice as the stands of Douglas fir turn into native forest, which then gives way to scrub. Dotted along the track edges are wooden boxes that house traps for mammalian predators, managed by the team from the Halo Project and their dedicated volunteers. 70 possums and more than 480 rodents have been removed from this area.
Fantails will often accompany walkers on their journey, tweeting away and gobbling small snacks, stirred up by passing footsteps. Every now and then the radio tower will peek through the forest, a beacon of the destination. At the top, reap the reward, an amazing 360° view spanning Blueskin Bay, Aramoana, Dunedin Harbour, the centre of town and North East Valley.
To find Bethunes Gully, head all the way up north East Valley, taking the left road at the fork and head along Norwood Street. As the road starts going up the hill, turn left onto Cluny Street. The entrance gateway reads, “Bethunes Gully”.
Chingford Park
February 20, 2025
North East Valley’s hidden gems — City Sanctuary
maximios city
Written by Clare Cross, Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary coorindator.
Throughout Dunedin, many people are looking after their own and public spaces through wildlife-friendly actions such as trapping, planting and weeding. The Lindsay Creek Catchment is a special place to me and receives a lot of care by people who are looking after its environs. Here’s two of my favourite places in this area.
Bethunes Gully
There’s something quite special about how close Bethunes Gully is to the edge of the city. It really is just a stone’s throw away. Passing under the gateway at the entrance, and down a short driveway opens into a clearing. Children will often be playing on the swings, or enjoying the tranquillity of the bubbling Lindsay Creek. Tūī and bellbirds are usually heard singing amongst the trees. Kereru make their presence known, swooping around with a satisfying, “whomp, whomp” sound.
Learn about some of the creatures that call the freshwater of Lindsay Creek their home on the signage as you arrive. Follow the track up Mount Cargill. Notice as the stands of Douglas fir turn into native forest, which then gives way to scrub. Dotted along the track edges are wooden boxes that house traps for mammalian predators, managed by the team from the Halo Project and their dedicated volunteers. 70 possums and more than 480 rodents have been removed from this area.
Fantails will often accompany walkers on their journey, tweeting away and gobbling small snacks, stirred up by passing footsteps. Every now and then the radio tower will peek through the forest, a beacon of the destination. At the top, reap the reward, an amazing 360° view spanning Blueskin Bay, Aramoana, Dunedin Harbour, the centre of town and North East Valley.
To find Bethunes Gully, head all the way up north East Valley, taking the left road at the fork and head along Norwood Street. As the road starts going up the hill, turn left onto Cluny Street. The entrance gateway reads, “Bethunes Gully”.
Chingford Park