Committee members of the Nelson A & P Association are working tirelessly to future-proof the woodland area of Richmond Park land on Lower Queen St.
Nelson A & P Association manager Annette Robinson says the committee have set up a management programme, with the support of the Tasman District Council (TDC), to remove ageing trees that were a safety risk to the public and replace them with more suitable trees for the area.
“Richmond Park is privately owned but we have a long-term plan to preserve the woodland frontage for the public to enjoy, for generations to come.”
Richard Hilton, horticultural officer for TDC, says the trees were protected and listed as Class A heritage trees to preserve the overall landscape of the area. “They are a group listing, to maintain the woodland or parklike landscape. The volunteers at the showgrounds are planting to establish a succession of new trees to eventually replace the older trees, this should guarantee the continuation of the woodland environment.”
John Harwood has been involved with the grounds keeping for 30 years, and is treasurer on the committee. A lot of his blood, sweat and tears have gone into the 100 acres of land, and it holds a special place in John’s heart, “we have always had a rule, where if we took one tree out we had to put two back.”
John believes it is important to maintain the woodland area. “It is another area that the public can utilise for activities, have lunch underneath the trees. There are very few areas left to do those things, it makes sense to look after it.”
Committee member Michael Flanagan says these areas have got to be looked after. “We are only caretakers of the place. We want to maintain and beautify it for future generations.”
On the Nelson A & P Association website, there is a statement: In 1895, while opening the show, then Prime Minister Richard John Seddon stated that, “It is necessary to take advantage of every improvement possible so that we may keep up to date – we must keep pace with the times – those who conduct the Nelson A & P deserve every credit and sympathy, for their work is in the interest of every man, woman and child in the district.” Much of this still rings true today.