Field trip to Knight's Bush, Tuapeka

The Knights are stewards of some of the last remaining native vegetation on the banks of the Clutha River from the lakes to the sea. Their 228 ha block opposite Birch Island and the Blue Mountains encompasses a surprising variety of ecosystems. On the river flat and stream sides kahikatea, totara, matai & pokaka grow amongst gnarly old beech trees, with a broadleaf/divaricating shrub understory. In places the podocarps dominate, higher up there are almost pure stands of Nothofagus solandri and N. menziesii. Stands of huge old kanuka are evidence of early milling. On the sunniest northerly faces are remnants of original dry land shrub and kowhai community, including the uncommon Teucridium parvifolium. John, Allison and Ben worked hard last year to build a 2 km long fence to protect examples of these communities from browsing and foraging animals. They hope this new biodiversity reserve will encourage regeneration of the understory and allow vulnerable plants to re-establish. Come and help to create a base-line species list, clear around the fence-line or just look around. Wear strong footwear with good grip for the steep slopes. Bring pen, hand-lens, lunch etc. 113 km drive each way. Return late afternoon. Rain-date Sunday.