Restoring local plant communities

Forest Flora uniquely eco-source seeds and raise plants from the Waikato and Coromandel by focusing on ecological processes and the careful restoration of local plant communities. 

Lowland plant communities are often highly modified and Forest Flora take a lot of trouble to piece together evidence of how these may once have looked. They know their areas well and that knowledge of natural patterns is a major asset. 

By starting from the perspective of restoring natural patterns and processes, the benefits are biodiversity as well as low maintenance because plants chosen suit the site, rather than modifying the ground to suit plants. And they plan for regeneration and succession to taller, slower growing and more shade tolerant species over time. 

Wayne Bennet, Forest Flora co-director, is currently the coordinator for Ecosourced Waikato, a project manager forWaikato Rivercare and is on the committee of Ngaruawahia Action Group. He has a fascination for wild places, natural systems and native plants and animals.