If you could go back in time to see Otago before the impact of humans it would look something like the Rongahere Gorge. A small group of Haehaeata Trust volunteers recently took a field trip to a privately owned property on the left bank of the Clutha River that still retains its rare mixed beech forest. This was part of the investigation to find out about pre-human plant species and the relationships they have with each other and with topography eg, the difference between the sunny and shady faces, and the slopes and the flats. The area was logged up until 1953. Beech logs were removed by floating down the Clutha. Amazingly there are still huge specimens of Kahikatea, Matai and Lowland Totara with relict large beech trees. A stunning array of subcanopy species has survived and are regenerating where deer have been excluded. On the drier sites huge Kanuka, Kowhai, Ti kouka (cabbage tree), Halls Totara, Prickly Mingimingi and the at risk shrub Teucridium. The vegetation supports a healthy bird population with Kereru (wood pigeon), Piwakawaka (fantail), Karearea (falcon) and many Korimako (bellbird) seen and heard on the day. While it was disappointing to realise this is the only remaining example of its type along the length of the river from Lake Wanaka to the Pacific Ocean, what we saw on the field trip gives us a good idea of the plants that could have been in specific habitats prior to humans arriving in Central Otago.
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About usWe are a group of volunteers working to bring eco-sourced dryland native plants to parks, reserves and home gardens in Central Otago. Volunteer with usWe have regular working bees on: Categories
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