Care for what you've got

Making the case for restoration

More than two thirds of Aotearoa New Zealand’s forest has been cleared. Bush blocks on private land make an incredible contribution to biodiversity along with our national parks and reserves. Big areas of native forest provide essential habitats needed to sustain native birds, lizards, bats, insects and freshwater fish species.

Bush remnants A bush remnant (or bush fragment) could be a stand of trees in the middle of a paddock, or natives coming up in a gully, or around a small wetland are smaller, but still important elements of a connected ecosystem. In some areas, certain species are now only found in remnants. For example, 95% of the kahikatea stands in the Waikato are on remnants smaller than 30 ha. Around 80% of the native forest in the Auckland Region is in remnants of less than 10 ha.

Fencing, weed and predator control

• The first step to caring for your native bush is to fence out stock. 
• Once stock has been removed, weeds may come in. Weed control may be necessary while the native bush is regenerating. However, many weeds will be shaded out when the trees have grown in. You can then shift focus to the weeds that are shade tolerant..
• Long-term predator control will be necessary for the health of your native bush.

Refer to our tips on fencing and on weed and predator control. 

Is planting necessary?

If native plants are existing or coming back in on their own, the site may not need planting. Fencing the area, removing pest plants and starting predator control is all that is needed.

The bush block or remnant may have gaps. You can wait for these gaps to naturally regenerate or you can plant in the gaps.

If there are a lot of bare areas, it will likely need planting assistance. Start with hardy pioneer species Pioneer species are those able to grow first at a site. They are able to cope with the drier, hotter conditions in open areas. that will be okay in exposed conditions. When these plants have grown in, add more diverse plants.

Tackling edge effects

Edge effects refer to the declining health of the edges of your bush that are exposed to light and wind. They are a common issue with bush remnants and bush blocks. In these areas, you often see weeds coming in. Plant dense shrubs along the edges to seal the remnant or block and protect the patch of regenerating bush.

Pro tip - Check out other bush blocks and remnants in your area and connect to other landowners. Take note of the natives growing naturally and the weeds that could become an issue. With permission, you can collect seeds from a neighbour’s naturally regenerating bush.

Restoring native bush has many benefits

• Stabilising soil and controlling erosion
• Improving water retention and water quality (where waterways run through the native bush, etc.) as well as shade and habitat for native fish
• Better and easier management of stock with fewer stock getting separated or injured
• Windbreak and shade for stock (outside the fenced area)
• Aesthetic and scenic beauty
• Providing habitat for native birds, lizards and insects as well as corridors for native species to move across the landscape
• Large bush blocks can provide an area for hunting game animals or ecotourism opportunities

Need help understanding what you've got?

There is a growing movement of farmers and landowners that are taking action to restore and protect the natural areas on their farm. Reach out to your neighbours to see what they’ve done.

In addition to your neighbours and rural networks, there are other sources of advice and help: 

• Check in with your Farm Advisor, consultant or processor
• Community or catchment groups working in the area
• Non-government organisations such as NZ Landcare Trust or QEII National Trust
• Local representative from Department of Conservation or the Regional Council

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