A COAST care group wants official protection for the wild character at Te Raekaihau Pt on Wellington’s south coast.

Te Raekaihau Coast Care group feels this is an issue Wellington City Council should address in its landscape and rehabilitation plan for the area.

The group says the overall plan to restore and protect the point and foreshore is positive, but is worried about the negative impact of a proposed car park.

Funded largely by the Plimmer Bequest, the council project to enhance the area between Houghton and Lyall Bay will cost up to $350,000.

The council has completed other work around the south coast for recreation activities of sightseeing, walking, diving and swimming.

Ecologists have a five year plan to stop coastal ecosystems of plant species degrading, with work starting in April.

This will involve reintroducing some rare plant species; removing pests and weeds; and planting locally sourced species appropriate for the area

Submissions on the plan closed at the end of last week.