Balancing climate action & biodiversity restoration
Our focus is two-fold. We recognise the immediate urgency of the climate crisis, which requires rapid removals of carbon from the atmosphere to meet climate commitments. At the same time, we’re also looking to the future, to restore and develop the project area’s unique biodiversity. The key to this approach is a process of actively managed forest restoration to a native forest, which will increase biodiversity, enhance environmental resilience, and provide a broad range of social and environmental benefits.
Biodiversity
Before being extensively cleared for settlement and agriculture, New Zealand was largely covered in native forest. To provide the ideal environment for restoration, we select sites with remnants of native forest, to provide a natural seed source for the process of restoration.
To support the accelerated growth of native trees, targeted native enrichment planting can also be established within the site as required. Based on site-specific forest design aimed at restoring the forest to its native state, targeted native enrichment planting helps reintroduce a range of native species. In particular, the supplementary planting process focuses on slower growing canopy species, which will eventually form an important part of the long-term restored forest structure.
This active management approach is designed to mimic and accelerate natural restoration, especially where deforestation or grazing has previously removed native seeds from the site.
To protect the health of the exotic nurse crop and — critically — the growth and development of native species, a comprehensive pest management programme is vital. A well-designed predator control programme – to remove animals like rats, stoats, weasels and hedgehogs through humane and effective trapping – not only supports restoration but also significantly enhances biodiversity in the forest. Protecting native birds is particularly important as they help spread native seeds from nearby native forest stands.
Community
As well as supporting the environment and New Zealand’s climate targets, our restoration programme also makes a significant contribution to rural communities.
Our work with rural landowners has enabled them to diversify their income. This in turn supports the restoration of indigenous biodiversity – either by converting plantation forests into permanent, actively managed environments, or by using less productive land to grow trees that contribute to climate action and improve local ecosystems.
Employment
Each of the stages in the restoration programme require constant expert management. From pest control operators to ecologists, and from planters to planners, this project generates a wide range of local jobs and supports many local businesses year-round. Overall, the active management of restoring native forests provides significant rural employment.