This inspiration is the focus of this year's Restoration Day, being held at Otari-Wilton's Bush on May 3. The day is organised by the Department of Conservation, Greater Wellington and the Wellington City Council.

Colin Meurk from Travis Wetland Trust will speak about the restoration of the largest freshwater wetland remnant on the Canterbury Plains, once known as Travis Swamp. Drained and filled for farming and housing, it was choked with willow, gorse, broom, lupin and blackberry when the trust was formed in 1992 to promote its restoration and protection. The theme of Colin's talk will be `Planning for Big Picture Restoration - why do we need it'.

Displays and talks will also highlight work of ecological restoration groups in the Wellington Region, raise awareness with the public and encourage others to get involved.

DOC Poneke area community relations officer Annabel Riley said the Restoration Day is a chance for community groups and agencies to get together to share skills and experiences. "It is also a chance to celebrate the work that many people are quietly achieving to preserve and enhance some Wellington's unique habitats'.

The day is promoted by the New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network (NZERN). NZERN is a volunteer run national network of community groups, councils, schools, farmers and government agencies involved in hands on projects restoring areas of New Zealand's special biodiversity. People wishing to attend this year's event can book with the Department of Conservation's Wellington Conservancy by Friday 18 April 2003, either by phone, (04) 472 5821; fax (04) 499 0077 or email: kmitchell@doc.govt.nz