Chris Ferkins kicked off the Beach Valley Road Project

“People are part of the environment” – Chris reinforced that time and time again.

A critically endangered plant  is an article, just published, features a critically endangered plant Chris noticed and identified in Henderson.

Back in the days of Waitakere City Council Chris Ferkins initiated three ‘pilot’ community projects.   One, still operating some 7 – 8 years later, is the Beach Valley Road Project – an amazing legacy to his skills.

His ability to connect at a level that the average Joe Bloggs would embrace  was certainly a big part of the project’s success.  His philosophy “People are part of the environment’ and taking into account the people’s wishes sure helps a project like this.

Chris is now with Auckland Council’s Biodiversity Team and I’m pleased to say I have a great friendship with him. What he has taught me about our natural environment is immeasurable.  We’ve also discussed, debated and argued about who, how and what about life!

Below: Some photos of ‘people’ and the Beach Valley Road Project.   Thanks Chris (The Ferkinator)

This project is now part of Sustainable Neighbourhoods – the funding which Linda Cooper lead the request to keep funding for recently.