McCrae's Bush is a council-managed reserve on River Road in Ashhurst, on the edge of Palmerston North, rated 4.3 from four Google reviews; the city council's parks and reserves pages carry the details. Small native reserves are a different proposition to a mown sports park: expect a dirt track, damp ground after rain, and the company of tūī, fantails and kererū rather than rugby teams. Remnants like these are often the last of the forest that once clothed the river plain, so they reward a slow walk and a listening ear. Grip-soled shoes are sensible in winter, a dry spell makes for easier going, and early morning is when the bush is loudest. A quick check of the council page will tell you what facilities, if any, to expect. For Ashhurst, McCrae's Bush is a pocket of old native bush on the doorstep, an easy trip from central Palmerston North.