Private reforestation project at Waiuku

The following is an example of how anyone can do their bit for nature by starting their own reforestation project with native trees. It does not have to be big, if you are the owner of a small piece of land you can easily start your own little native haven. The advantages are multiple, the cost is minimum and the fact that you are creating a natural habitat for the native birds is a reward in itself and future generations will be able to enjoy it.

In Waiuku, Bill and Fiona Wilson decided to restore part of their land and replant it with the original forest trees (puriri, totara and kauri). It is essential to understand what habitat these trees need to prosper in their juvenile form, which includes protected forest floor conditions.
Firstly they decided to remove most of the shelter belt trees that are so abundant in New Zealand's countryside and do not form part of the original vegetation of this island. Once the area chosen for the reforestation project is cleared, it is replanted with fast growing species of native shrubs and trees suited to the area that provide the “nursery” for the specimen trees. Bill and Fiona planted mainly manuka, karo, coprosma robusta, lemonwood, ngaio and flax. Most of these initial ground cover plants can easily be raised from seed, which keeps costs down. A season or two of “releasing” weeds is needed until a protective cover is established. Then the specimen tree seedlings are planted in gaps within the establishing canopy.

The project is still in its early stages but there are already plans to extend the area to a natural flowing creek further down the field.

At first the benefits might not seem obvious but these kind of projects are of great importance. If more and more people would follow this trend a natural corridor could form and would give wildlife a safe haven without extended interruption of farmland.

By planting native trees, the soil will regain its natural richness, improving the quality of its immediate surroundings so you really are doing yourself and your neighbour a favor. As everyone knows, natural resources come free and if you look after them, they are in endless supply. On the other hand, if you do not look after what nature provides free of charge, the cost of replacing natural resources with man-made inventions is ever rising.

Reforestation projects can also be seen as long term investment as the production of good quality wood might be a worthy alternative for pine forest, which support far less wildlife, and eventually drain the soil of its minerals.

The advantages of initiatives to restore New Zealand's native forest are obvious. It's fairly straightforward to start; you do not have to be an expert at nature conservation; there are plenty of organisations you can consult in case of doubt; you restore the natural water supply and improve the quality of the soil. As a bonus, you get to feel a bit better as you are making an effort in ensuring the future of your grandchildren. Surely you care for them? Surely you can see that you can make a difference?





This small article is an attempt to show you that you can make a difference without having to spend big bucks or to be an expert.

For further questions you can comment directly on this blog or send an email from the Contact page on cycle4nature.

We are very interested in any other or similar projects that would like to enjoy more exposure.

Many thanks to Bill and Fiona