Measuring a new forest: the results are in!
Wandering up the Kaiwharawhara Valley from Ōtari’s Troup Lawn today, it’s hard to believe that 25 years ago the place was a jungle of gorse, blackberry and rubbish. A massive volunteer restoration project saw 55,000 
Project leaders, Bronwen Wall and Jonathan Kennetttrees planted over five years, on 22 sites. Ongoing replanting and weeding has continued since. Last summer, the project was assessed, gathering data useful for other restoration projects. All 22 original sites were revisited and vegetation measured and counted.
Here’s what was found: on average, 72 trees or shrubs were planted in each of the 3m x 10m plots. That number has now increased to an average 212 plants per plot – helped by the birds and wind adding their self-seeded contributions. The canopy is now 8–10 metres tall and comprises the trees originally planted, mostly five finger, kōhūhū and tarata, with some large hīnau on most sites. Underneath the canopy, species diversity has boomed.
Come along to hear project leaders, Jonathan Kennett and Bronwen Wall, talk about their findings as part of the Trust’s Centenary Talks Programme on July 7 at Tāne Whakapiripiri, the Ōtari visitor centre, 7pm (entry by koha). Better still, take a guided walk in the valley with Bronwen and Jonathan on September 27. Or just wander through the valley anytime.
Posted: 26 June 2026