Visit to Rangitoto Island, home of the Kidney Fern, Pohutakawa Trees and Tui
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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
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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Arrival at New Zealand/Llegada a Nueva Zelanda/Aankomst in Nieuw Zeeland
We have finally arrived in the land of the long white cloud and are steadily overcoming our huge jetlag. Little by little we are getting our natural rhythm back and the first impressions of the country and its people could not have been better. Everyone is very helpful, kind and extremely laidback, it seems everything and everyone goes in slow gear, at half the pace Europe is moving, and that is a good thing!! We were welcomed by our friends and Nick from Forest and Bird at the airport, which immediately made us feel very welcome and at home. We first settled down in what our home was going to be for the coming week in a beautiful suburb of Auckland...how lucky can you get?? It's pure luxury and hospitality we are experiencing, it's almost too good to be true. The day after our arrival we went to Forest and Bird's office in Auckland where we exchanged views and ideas for our trip. Firstly we agreed to make ourselves as visible as possible for other road users by putting up a Forest and Bird flag on one of the buggies, but also fit both buggies out with laminated Forest and Bird logos on A4. We also agreed to make an effort to organise visits to the different projects on our journey so as to report on them on this blog. It should be good.
One last detail on this message. Through pure coincidence we met a lawyer who found our event an amazing feat but highly recommended against a challenge such as running around naked through Christchurch. Displaying nudity on the streets will most likely be seen as a serious offence and might have severe legal consequences. Although some might think of it as a harmless funny trick, others might be offended and it is clear that it is not worth it getting into trouble or cause offence to anyone. Also, it does not seem appropiate to associate Forest and Bird with an activity that might cause more damage and bad publicity than it might actually help them. Thus, the proper penguin costume might be in order for this challenge!
Talk to you soon!
One last detail on this message. Through pure coincidence we met a lawyer who found our event an amazing feat but highly recommended against a challenge such as running around naked through Christchurch. Displaying nudity on the streets will most likely be seen as a serious offence and might have severe legal consequences. Although some might think of it as a harmless funny trick, others might be offended and it is clear that it is not worth it getting into trouble or cause offence to anyone. Also, it does not seem appropiate to associate Forest and Bird with an activity that might cause more damage and bad publicity than it might actually help them. Thus, the proper penguin costume might be in order for this challenge!
Talk to you soon!
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