Williams.
Greendot.
A Forest Remnant Worth Protecting.
Project partner: Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Trust.
This Greendot site adjoins Lord’s Bush, one of the last remaining lowland native forest remnants of its type in Canterbury. The reserve spans approximately 12 hectares and is protected under the Reserves Act 1977 as Department of Conservation land. It supports a well‑established native canopy, understorey, and fauna, making it a highly valuable ecological area.
Stewardship Across Generations.
The Williams family property has been in their care for several generations. Motivated to protect and regenerate the neighbouring bush, they partnered with Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust (TAK) to access ecological advice and improve planting success across their 2‑hectare site.
A Multi‑year Planting Programme.
Since 2020, TAK volunteers, supported the Central Plains Water Environmental Management Fund (EMF), have planted approximately 2,500 native plants through annual volunteer planting days. In addition, the landowners alongside friends and family have planted more than 10,000 native plants overall, completing planting across the full site by 2025.
Rebuilding Native Forest Communities.
Plantings reflect a beech and podocarp forest community, with species selected to align with the adjoining forest remnant. Dominant and supporting species include kahikatea, pokaka, and Coprosma pedicellata, with wetter areas characterised by Juncus species and occasional bog rush (Schoenus pauciflorus). This mix reflects the site’s partially wetland conditions, with soils saturated for significant parts of the year.
Working with the Land.
Site conditions are challenging, with very wet winters, dry and windy summers, and some gorse presence, but careful species selection, fencing, and ongoing maintenance have resulted in strong plant survival.
Community in Action.
Between 2020 and 2024, the site hosted four public planting days and two staff planting days. The Williams family continues to invest significant time in weed control, maintenance, and follow‑up planting.
Lasting Environmental Outcomes.
The project enhances biodiversity corridors, buffers the adjacent native forest from weather and invasive weeds, and improves long‑term ecosystem resilience. The landowners have also applied for recognition of the site as a Significant Natural Area under the Selwyn District Plan, reinforcing its ecological value and future protection.
