Field trip to Macraes Flat

A trip to Macraes Flat to explore the newly created QEII covenants established as mitigation for mining activities by Oceana Gold Ltd. Weather and time permitting we will visit all three areas, the first a tussock grassland with little gems, such as Dracophyllum uniflorum var. frondosum, Pimelea pseudolyallii, Celmisia hookeri and Anogramma leptophylla, hidden away in rocky outcrops. The second site doubles as an historical reserve, with the ruins of schist stone buildings, thought to be an inn for travellers seeking the goldfields. The ruins are surrounded by grey scrub featuring Discaria toumatou, Coprosma propinqua and Melicytus alpinus. The third site is unusual in the Macraes landscape in that it consists of a bushy gully, native trees being few and far between in the surrounding area. Tree species include Pseudopanax crassifolius, Pseudopanax colensoi var. ternatus, Griselinia littoralis, Carpodetus serratus and Sophora microphylla. Other tidbits include Carmichaelia kirkii and Gingidia grisea. Rain day Sunday 2nd Nov. Meet at the Botany car park to depart at 8.30 am.