Here you'll find all the information you'll need to plant up your berm!
Street Life is an educational campaign that aims to increase biodiversity in urban spaces throughout Auckland by creating habitats for local wildlife through the planting of native species. We aim to achieve this goal by planting New Zealand native species on berms throughout Auckland and educating school kids about the issue.
Berms (or verges) are the strips of land located between the road and the sidewalk. Usually planted with grass, berms take up approximately 4% of Auckland's suburban land areas. At Street Life, we think that these spaces have the potential to be home to more than just rubbish bins and street lamps. If we can turn these spaces into havens of native plants, we can support local ecosystems and provide habitats for local wildlife.
Urban expansion has resulted in the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats of native species across the city. Many native species are now vulnerable and considered endangered due to the loss of forest, grassland and wetland habitats. Grass lawns require constant maintenance, which is not only inconvenient, it's bad for the environment as lawn mowers release a lot of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
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To increase biodiversity and support native plant species in urban Auckland.
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To reduce our impact on carbon dioxide emissions by reducing lawn equipment usage.
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To reduce the negative impacts of urbanisation on native species in Auckland.
To create an urban environment that provides habitats, food and shelter for local wildlife, such as birds, bees, skinks and insects.
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To create streetscapes that people enjoy to be in and promote outdoor activities.
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