An Introduction to The Birch Hill Area

The mountains and slopes of Canterbury foothills and forests offer people a chance to see remnants of natural vegetation and overall landscape that once existed in this region. These forests are Conservation Areas, managed by the Department of Conservation for your use and enjoyment and for the preservation of their natural values. Please respect these rules. This area has something to offer every one of all ages wishing to enjoy the great outdoors.

History

Timber foothill forests share a history of gradual depletion by natural fires, burning and grazing practices, and logging. Saw milling began here in 1854 and ceased in 1912. Mills supplied timber for homes, bridges, railways and fencing materials. The Mount Thomas area was farmed from 1851. Successive landowners converted bush to farmland by burning and grazing. Destruction was so rapid that in 1851, four thousand five hundred and fifty (4,550) hectares were permanently reserved to preserve the resource.

Vegetation

The remaining vegetation is distributed according to site conditions. At low altitudes the dominant forest cover is Black Beech, giving way to Mountain Beech on higher slopes, usually above 600 metres. At lower altitudes there is a scattering of Podocarps and broad-leafed hardwoods. Above the bush line, sub alpine species such as Dracophyllum grow, gradually merging into alpine snow grasses and high altitude herbs.

Beech Honeydew

When in the foothill forest you will notice that a sooty fungus cover the trees. This fungus is associated with honeydew, which is excreted by a soft scale insect feeding on the sap of the beech tree. The honeydew is seen hanging from a fine thread protruding from the black fungus. Honeybees, wasps and many birds feed on this.