New ecological mapping is being used to inform a tree planting project by the Central Otago-Lakes branch of Forest & Bird, and the mapping information will be of interest to locals interested in what to plant to ensure biodiversity.

The neat farmland lapping the lower range slopes between John Creek and Hāwea Flat was once the home of mighty native podocarps such as kahikatea and matai, Wanaka landscape architect Anne Steven says.

“The familiar beech forest of the wetter alpine ranges used to extend further east, merging into totara forest in drier Central Otago. These are the ‘invisible’ forests of the Upper Clutha. A lone totara or isolated beech patch are rare portals to this ecological realm of past and future.”

Recent mapping of the potential natural ecosystems of Otago by Wildlands Consultants provides a new reference for planning new native plantings to restore indigenous biodiversity and local landscape character, maintain high water quality and sequester carbon, Anne said.

Hāwea was once the home of mighty native podocarps such as kahikatea and matai.

The mapping project, which should soon be publicly available, has analysed soil studies, remaining plants, pollen studies and so on (paleoecology) to identify those ecosystems in Otago. 

The project provides another tool for strategic planning, Anne said, noting that while the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has a “tiny” indigeous biodiversity policy, nothing is done with it. 

“Council has a duty to be active in this area, and it’s not,” she said.

Forest & Bird is now working on approximately 2.5ha of Lake Hāwea Station, adjacent to the public access to the Mt Grandview Track.

Anne said Lake Hāwea Station had generously made the land available for planting, and the new ecological mapping will inform the planting project.

Forest & Bird is also hosting Kelvin Lloyd, principal ecologist of Wildlands Consultants, at its upcoming AGM next week. 

Kelvin, the main guest speaker, will talk about ‘The Lost Forests of Central Otago’, introducing the natural ecosystems mapping for Otago, while other speakers will give examples of its application to projects in the Upper Clutha area.

“If you are interested in what grew here in times past or you are wanting to know what to plant in your project, the mapping will be an invaluable source of information,” Anne said.

“Everybody is welcomed and encouraged to come along.”

The Forest & Bird AGM will take place on Thursday June 3 from 7:30pm at the Wanaka Community Hub. Entry by gold-coin donation to Forest & Bird. Enquiries to Evan Alty (022 041 4540 [email protected]).

PHOTOS: Supplied