The PCRP site was, on commencement of the project, a mix of ‘islands’ of remnant vegetation [impacted by stock intrusion], open pasture, and large areas of gorse. Much of the site has 'wet feet' for long periods of the year, with drainage channels flowing south into the wetland area. Two- thirds of the way up the site, McMillan Stream bisects the land as it crosses to the sea.
The initial restoration plan was prepared by Boffa Miskell and divided the site into zones, each with different planting patterns. An amended version of this plan formed the basis of the Project Implementation Plan [PIP] that is reviewed annually and guides the on-ground restoration processes. A more detailed over-view of the restoration work and the associated learnings can be found at the bottom of the page..The PIP -and project budget- allowed for the planting of 100,000 eco-sourced plants over the initial five year period. These were sourced from local growers using seed and/or cuttings collected from the site itself or nearby. From 2012 onwards, our on-site nursery has steadily increased the supply of plants for the project, initially complementing those purchased, and from 2014, becoming the sole source. For the first two years, there was a grazing regime in place, allowing the neighbouring farmer to graze his cattle in the area outside of planned restoration plantings-and with the remnant areas fenced off to prevent further intrusion and damage.
The initial focus of the planting was on the flight path of the petrels from over the ocean to the colony .[Zones 1A and 2A]. In these areas, and the neighbouring zones [2B and 1B], planting was 'blanket' coverage to provide a consistent canopy cover of the area. Prior to planting these areas, a significant amount of gorse was removed -initially using 'cut and paint' technique, and later, though spraying. [Gorse control, together with blackberry, remains an on-going task, -but some areas of gorse will remain as a 'control' for measuring and assessing its function as a native plant 'nursery']
As we progressed into other planting zones, we planted in 'islands', concentrating primarily on the areas of higher ground.
The initial restoration plan was prepared by Boffa Miskell and divided the site into zones, each with different planting patterns. An amended version of this plan formed the basis of the Project Implementation Plan [PIP] that is reviewed annually and guides the on-ground restoration processes. A more detailed over-view of the restoration work and the associated learnings can be found at the bottom of the page..The PIP -and project budget- allowed for the planting of 100,000 eco-sourced plants over the initial five year period. These were sourced from local growers using seed and/or cuttings collected from the site itself or nearby. From 2012 onwards, our on-site nursery has steadily increased the supply of plants for the project, initially complementing those purchased, and from 2014, becoming the sole source. For the first two years, there was a grazing regime in place, allowing the neighbouring farmer to graze his cattle in the area outside of planned restoration plantings-and with the remnant areas fenced off to prevent further intrusion and damage.
The initial focus of the planting was on the flight path of the petrels from over the ocean to the colony .[Zones 1A and 2A]. In these areas, and the neighbouring zones [2B and 1B], planting was 'blanket' coverage to provide a consistent canopy cover of the area. Prior to planting these areas, a significant amount of gorse was removed -initially using 'cut and paint' technique, and later, though spraying. [Gorse control, together with blackberry, remains an on-going task, -but some areas of gorse will remain as a 'control' for measuring and assessing its function as a native plant 'nursery']
As we progressed into other planting zones, we planted in 'islands', concentrating primarily on the areas of higher ground.
| pcrp_major_report_printdoc.doc |
Original site planting plan showing planting zones.