Field trip to Trotters Gorge, Palmerston

This is part of a large conservation area accessed from Palmerston about 80 km north of Dunedin off Horse Range Road. This is a beautiful spot with impressive rock formations carved out of sandstone and conglomerate by several small streams that merge with Trotters Creek. The car park has yielded an interesting mix of exotics and is in turn surrounded by regenerating native bush and at its westerly end two tracks lead off into quite different vegetation types. The right leads across a shallow ford and follows a vehicle track (not for public use) up the valley of Trotters Creek. The vegetation begins with regenerating bush before opening out into a mix of open native and exotic areas and cliffs. The track is easy with a few shallow fords. The other track follows a tributary of Trotters Creek through a narrow gorge before climbing steadily to the top of the hills to give a good view of the surrounding areas. The descent begins with a brief, steep section leading more gently down to the first track whence you can continue up the track or just return to the cars. The vegetation is largely native. Interesting plants to be found are Teucridium parviflorum, Pimelea pseudolyallii, the locally endemic Celmisia hookeri, Notogrammitis ciliata and an unnamed Corybas orchid. Come suitably attired for walking and, if it's been raining, the uphill track may be slippery in places and the creek may be running high in the fords. Expect to return to Dunedin about 3:00 p.m. or whenever suits you. Bring a lunch. Foul weather back up date Sunday 8^th.