Across New Zealand, native forests are constantly changing, and understanding these shifts is key to protecting them. RDLs ecology team works alongside regional councils to support long-term forest and bird monitoring programmes. These initiatives follow established protocols, with plot locations carefully selected to capture a representative snapshot of forest health and biodiversity.
Monitoring involves setting up 20x20m plots with subplots for detailed assessments. Within each plot, we identify Stems, saplings and seedlings, tag individual trees, measure trunk diameters, and record bird activity. Plots are revisited every five years to track changes in forest structure, tree growth, and wildlife patterns. We also note pest plants and evidence of browsing by animals, providing insight into pressures on these ecosystems.
Reaching these plots is rarely straightforward. Fieldwork often means hours-long hikes, navigating rivers, rappelling with ropes, and pushing through dense kiekie and sharp gharnia. Every challenging trek rewards us with a glimpse into the intricate workings of native forests and the opportunity to contribute to their long-term protection.
By combining rigorous data collection with hands-on exploration, these monitoring programmes help paint a detailed picture of forest ecosystems — a vital resource for conservation and restoration efforts.
– Written by Kyle Sutherland
