Succession observed in a restoration of native bush

In the farm Wharerata, the plantation of  native tree began 10 years ago. A track allowed  me and Cassie to observed the evolution on the regeneration of a native bush.

Legend : age of the bush

                         Red: older. Protected by QEII.

                         Yellow: 10 years old

                         Green: 4 years old

• Bush since younger (4 years old) to older (QEII).

Traps against possum and mouse. This area of restoration is surrrounded by fences and they put some traps to avoid any pest.

Possum and mouse are pest because not from NZ. These animals eat bird eggs.

The vegetation is composed of shrubs and medium tree.

The gorses are everywhere!

It's a weed and pest come from Europe.

Latin name : Ulex Europaeus

It was acclimated with the weather of NZ and grow faster than the other plants. It offers a hard competition for the other plants.

That is the reason it consider as a pest and have to be eliminated.

Some trees grows and becomes taller and taller. Taller than the gorses. It's the beginning of end for gorses...

Left : Tree taller and taller/ Right : Two level are observed, shrubs under trees.

Small fern become bigger!

Original bush protected by QEII.

What about QEII?

QEII National Trust helps private landowners in New Zealand protect significant natural and cultural features on their land through open space covenants.