MAP / RESTORATION PROJECT / FOREST PARK (RIVER ROAD)
Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park (River Road Forest)
Before the Tiny Forests movement became a ‘thing’ overseas, we had our very own tiny forest in Richmond! Us birds knew about it (and used it) long before it was open for you humans to wander through.
You’ll find the forest between Avebury House community hub and Richmond Community Garden. The grove of native trees includes a very tall tōtara and kauri. How long will it take you to find them?
At least 50 years old, the mini forest was part of a backyard of a two-story villa at 223 River Road. The villa, once owned by the Rouse family, was demolished after the earthquakes.
The trees were saved by the quick thinking of environmental organisation Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park. They fenced off the area, removed invasive species and helped regenerate the native bush.
The organisation identified 17 such pockets of ‘natural significance’ throughout the former Red Zone. It hopes all of the natural sites will be retained or incorporated into design plans, as progress is made on city development.
Avon-Ōtakaro Forest Park holds regular working bees, helping with ongoing maintenance of many of these sites. Schools and other education institutions are welcome to be involved. Brooker Avenue Forest Park is their primary focus.
Each Matariki, additional trees are planted here by Richmond Community Garden volunteers along with Christchurch City Council park rangers. Hōhepa Canterbury, a residential service for the disabled, regularly helps the community garden maintain the area.
I’m off to find the tōtara!
Next steps:
Identify the native trees
https://www.mynativeforest.com/nz-native-trees
Links:
Avon Ōtākaro Forest Park