Left to its own devices much of the farmland in Aotearoa would, over time, return to native forest. It would start with fast growing plants undeterred by open areas, which would then be replaced by slower growing species that prefer the cooler environment a canopy provides. But this takes time. Lots of time.
Professor Hannah Buckley, Dr. David Hall and Jeff Silby at the Pourewa site Photo: RNZ
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How can we speed up this natural succession, and ensure that native forest regeneration is efficient, cost-effective and as low risk as possible?
Enter the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Living Laboratories project. A set of planting experiments designed to investigate the quickest, cheapest, most risk-free way of restoring native forests in a farmland context, as well as monitoring the ecosystem benefits such forest provides as it grows.
The first site is on Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei land at Pourewa, where they are revegetating 2.2 hectares and comparing kānuka pioneer plants versus a mixed group of māhoe, ngaio, tarata and karamū. Here they are working in close collaboration with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to whom this land was recently returned. As gardens curator Rob Small explains, the hapū has big plans for this Pourewa site, including a large veggie garden to produce food for local whānau, a plant nursery, and gardens and artworks to explore the culture and history of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Rob Small, Ngāpuhi, gardens curator with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei standing in the mārakai that he designed. Photo: RNZ
In the Living Labs experimental planting blocks, on the slope down to Pourewa creek, late successional trees have been planted every six metres amongst the pioneer plants. The team will monitor individual tree size, soil microbe and animal biodiversity and ecosystem functions (such as reducing erosion, soil decomposition, etc.).
The AUT Living Laboratories project is run by Auckland University of Technology with support from partners Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Pāoa, Te Whangai Trust and Auckland Council. The team would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped with the project.
To Learn More:
- Listen to the full story on Our Changing World
- Rob Small previously spoke to Jesse Mulligan about his garden design.