Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust project co-ordinator Rach Baxter said 28 different species were planted, including three species of tree daisy, two of which were on the New Zealand threat classification system.
"It is great to be planting these on this site as hopefully it will provide a more secure future for these species and for all the animal life that depend on them for their survival too," she said.
"For example, the tree daisy species are home for up to 28 different species of moth, some of which are specialists and will not survive on any other plant.
"We also believe that pre-human arrival, a lot of these species would be naturally occurring here. Weeping mapou, while not an at-risk plant, is locally very scarce and will provide an excellent feast for the birds once it starts fruiting."
The work carried on from planting done in early June when 5000 tussocks were put in on the hillside above State Highway 8. That was the first stage of replanting on the site, which was the source of debate last year when the Central Otago District Council removed the pines on the reserve in line with its wilding pine policy.
Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the planting day continued the community vision for the reserve to be restored to a natural state and provide another recreational option for the district.
Sunday’s planting would be the last for the year, with the next likely to be autumn next year.
"The council is pleased to see the public supporting the redevelopment of the Half Mile [Recreation] Reserve and value the continuing relationship with Haehaeata trust that is making this a reality. The next step for the council would be improving the access track to the reserve," he said.
