Visit to Kerikeri Lodge and Puketi Forest

Today we visited the Kerikeri lodge and the Puketi Forest with Forest and Bird member Rod Brown who was so kind to show us all the activities the Northern branch of Forest and Bird carries out through and with the help of various other organizations that operate in the area. It seems that the collaboration between these various groups are bearing fruit as we could appreciate at the Lodge in Kerikeri. The main activity at the Lodge consists of growing native trees from seed to plants of up to 4 years in a neatly kept tree nursery. The shrubs and trees are sold to other conservation organizations and the profits in turn provide funds to manage the nature reserves in the Kerikeri area such as the Puketi Forest. The different works at the tree nursery are carefully planned and carried out by volunteers. It seemed to us a perfect way to try and preserve the native forests of New Zealand and thus its native fauna.

Rod Brown explained to us that New Zealand faces numerous problems that affect its forests which makes Forest and Birds work so important. Pest control for example in New Zealand means to control predators that have been introduced only recently but have thrived on defenseless native species. Rats, cats and possums represent a serious threat to many of the native birds. Possums for example have grown in numbers up to 3 to 4 million in the whole of New Zealand.

Farming is one of the most damaging activities to the natural habitat of many of New Zealand´s species. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides damages much of the natural environment and a programme to promote a reduction of its use proves beneficial for both the natural environment and the farming industry. Farmers are being made aware of the fact that residue of cattle should not be simply washed away in streams which affect the quality of fresh water all over New Zealand. Fonterra, New Zealand´s biggest dairy company, has even issued a deadline to farmers who are not complying with new and more environmental friendly standards. A growing awareness for environmental friendly farming are encouraging signs that things can improve and that company profits on the longer term will benefit all parties and also New Zealand´s image of provider of good quality products.
On a personal level, our visit to the Puketi Forest was something of a being reborn experience. To enter this majestic tropical forest, unknown to most overseas tourists, is like entering a whole new world. Our native European forest consists of 2, sometimes 3 levels of plants while the tropical forest of Puketi has 5 levels of plants. The canope is represented by so-called emergent trees like the Kauri, a colossal tree that dates back to the Jurassic age. It is impossible to explain what it feels like to walk among these giants, flanked by other species of trees like the dragon leaf, vines, ferns and numerous other plant species. You can easily spend days exploring just a fraction of this forest and not get bored. It has been a mind blowing experience to us and we hope to encourage many more people to visit, enjoy and help to preserve this impressive little piece of natural world.