ben ohau forest, canterbury
Forest Type - Introduced
Emission Reductions
5,664 tCO2 removed annually
Start Date - 1999
Project Type - Reforestation
161 hectares
Standard - ETS Permanent Category (PP89)
Ben Ohau Forest is a privately owned property near Twizel, Canterbury. When it was acquired in 1999, the landowner implemented a conservation philosophy, and the forest is protected in perpetuity through its registration in the ETS Permanent Forestry.
The forest is unique with a wide variety of tree plantings, encouraging the development of complex ecosystems. The main species is Douglas Fir from New Zealand and the south of France. Other species representing around 20% of the site, include Larch (L. eurolepsis, decidua), different species of Pines, including ponderosa, nigra and radiata, Redwoods (S. giganteum), sorbus species such as Oak and other indigenous species.
There has been a noticeable increase in bird diversity since the establishment of the forest. A scientific report found more than 35 bird species in the area, for which the forest is providing a biodiversity resource for both indigenous and introduced species.
Pest control has been conducted since the forest acquisition, first focusing on hare control before leading on possum control who represent a significant problem for tree damage in spring, especially Larch. Finally, there is a programme in place to control wilding Pine contorta since the plantation.
The forest has public access and is part of a well-known hiking track in the region, open for hikers, bikers and horse riders.
