Koromiko Forest Reserve

Description

Located in Koromiko with access from Collins Memorial, Freeths Road, off State Highway 1.

In 2002-2003 an ecological survey was conducted at the former Koromiko Deer Park, which is administered by Council. An ecological assessment found that the site is ecologically significant, as it is representative of the great historic forests of the alluvial flats in the valleys north of the Wairau Valley.

The 4 ha reserve is also the best example of valley flat treelands in the Para Ecological District, if not the wider region, and contains a nationally endangered plant, the yellow mistletoe (Alepis flavida). Koromiko Forest Planting. This reserve is now being managed as a forest reserve with a revegetation programme well underway. Since the first restoration plantings commenced in 2003, approximately 15,000 ecosourced seedlings have been planted within the reserve by local school children, community, staff and contractors, with a reduced level of ongoing propagation, planting and weed control planned. A management plan was completed in 2006 in conjunction with the QE II National Trust and the reserve was afforded QE II Covenant status. Now that the understorey plantings are established there is public access along the circular walking track through the reserve.

Contact Robin Dunn at Council for more information, Ph: 03 520 7400.

See Koromiko Forest Reserve Ecological Report