THE FOREST FOR THE TREES
Examples of restoration projects One size does not fit all
T
honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), gorse (Ulex europaeus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and royal fern (Osmunda regalis). In the interests of sustainability, then, this taller, richer swamp forest it is adopted as the long– term objective and a unique concession to the limited resources available is employed. The third example, Timelines, continuums and gradients, is chosen to illustrate the use of reference ecosystems. The Te Aroha Mountain site has adjoining mature and regenerating native forest to the north and the south as well as on higher slopes. There are examples of forest on the plains below, as well as some records of past vegetation on the site. The site for the project is unique, but exploring the trends along the gradients passing through the site and observation of succession there, is a valuable way to identify the character of the plant community to establish there. Without the use of this valuable information, the project would be a faint shadow of what it could be. Example four looks at a lakeside site. Past efforts have had limited success. Lessons have been learned from the team’s experience at this site and are applied in the revised approach. We learn so much when things go wrong, but restoration is such a new activity, that examples like this are rare and valuable. The fifth example at the Mangarata stream mouth describes a unique approach, working with the local community and describing the opportunities afforded when planting continues over many years. None of these case studies describes the
he following four examples have been chosen to illustrate a range of sites and a variety of approaches. Each of these examples outlines a pragmatic approach, making the most of available resources. None of these demonstrate the best possible practice, rather they show what can be done with real–life limitations. The first, the Waioteatua Stream, was chosen because it takes a site typical of the lower Waikato River, dominated by a limited range of exotic trees and climbers, to a much richer, native–dominated plant community. The presence of both native and exotic trees on the site allow for the planting of a much wider range of species than would be the case without their presence. This case study introduces an example of a management plan template which might be usefully applied to other projects. The second, Lake Maratoto, introduces a very large project with a very limited budget. This case study outlines a minimalist approach which still aims at instating a rich, diverse forest. The wetland surrounding the lake is very poorly drained and might be planted with only low–stature wetland species that we can be sure of thriving in the conditions. But there are indications on the site that a taller, richer plant community could potentially establish on the site. This taller, denser, richer plant community would have the potential to out–compete low–stature, light–demanding wetland plants. Without this described approach, the site would soon be invaded by grey willow (Salix cinerea), Japanese
49