A big part of the work that we do at QEII is regenerating native plant growth. They say that the best progress is often slow, and over time we’ve been able to see great success in this covenant in the Hawkes Bay area which is home to several kahikatea, New Zealand’s tallest forest tree.

When it was first protected, the ground underneath the 2.75-hectare forest remnant was bare and had been compacted after years of cattle on the land.

By using deer and goat proof fencing, the regeneration has been phenomenal, making it one of the more spectacular covenants for its size in the region. The before and after photos are an amazing example of what can happen to a bush remnant in under 20 years.

This covenant is also a great example of how QEII works with other organisations, with our friends at the Department of Conservation getting involved and planting a back-up population of Pittosporum obcordatum, also known as heart-leaved kohuhu.

This small block of forest will also be the venue for an upcoming event for the Hawkes Bay Botanical Group, who are hosting a tour focusing on Pittosporum obcordatum and includes a visit to neighbouring protected wetlands on Saturday 29 September. More information about this event can be found on the Hawkes Bay Botanical Group Facebook page.