This 20 ha of land, separated from the estuary by Linwood Ave and Humphries Drive, was drained in the 1920s and used as pasture. Restoration began in 1991, when paddocks were cleared and planted, and tidal pools were re-created.
The reserve is comprised of a tidal basin with surrounding saltmeadow, saltmarsh, coastal shrubland and coastal bush. Its role is to provide nesting, roosting and feeding habitat for native and migratory birds, as well as provide habitat for fish, estuarine marine life, lizards and terrestrial invertebrates.
The space is also a valuable recreational area for the local community. Seats at viewing points overlook the pools which are a hotspot for wetland and wading birds, including the migratory bar-tailed godwit/kuaka.
Over 100,000 trees, shrubs and marsh plants have now been planted at this site and volunteers play a major role in caring for these. To protect the birdlife, dogs are prohibited from near the tidal pools, ponds and wetland areas.
Dogs on a leash are allowed in rest of reserve.
Charlesworth Reserve is a wetland edge walk featuring restoration planting, wetland birds, and tidal pools. The walk only takes 15-20 minutes return – you can start and finish in the Charlesworth Street car park in Brookhaven. There are a couple of additional paths you can explore to extend your walk.
Most paths are gravel so are OK for small bikes, not so great for scooters. Perfectly fine for buggies. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the wetland areas.
Keep an eye out for wetland wading birds like the oyster catcher (torea), pied stilt (poaka), and white-faced heron (matuku moana).
