Bushy Park (New Zealand)

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi
Cabbage tree in Bushy Park
Map
Location of Bushy Park Tarapuruhi
Location791 Rangitatau East Road, Manawatū-Whanganui region, North Island, New Zealand
Nearest cityWhanganui
Coordinates39°47′50.4″S 174°55′43″E / 39.797333°S 174.92861°E / -39.797333; 174.92861
Area99 ha (245 acres)
Established1962
Governing bodyBushy Park Trust
Websitebushypark.nz

Bushy Park (also known as Bushy Park Tarapuruhi), is a forest reserve and bird sanctuary located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) inland from Kai Iwi and has an area of approximately 99 ha (245 acres). The forest has a diverse range of plant species, with canopy trees including northern rātā, rimu, tawa, and pukatea. In 1962, the forest was gifted to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand by the former owner G F Moore, along with the Bushy Park Homestead and its surrounds. The reserve is now managed by the Bushy Park Trust, in partnership with Forest & Bird and local iwi Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi. The forest reserve and homestead were renamed as Bushy Park Tarapuruhi in 2019.

Following installation of a pest-exclusion fence and eradication of rats and possums in 2005, the reserve is managed as a mainland island (or ecological island). The reserve has been judged as being amongst the 25 best ecological restoration projects in Australia and New Zealand. Several endangered native bird species have been re-introduced including toutouwai (North Island robin), tīeke (saddleback), hihi (stitchbird), pōpokotea (whitehead) and tītipounamu (rifleman). The populations of North Island robin and saddleback in the reserve have increased to the extent that some birds have been translocated from Bushy Park to other sanctuary areas.

A feature of the reserve is a large northern rātā named Ratanui ("Big Rata") that is estimated to be 1000 years old. The reserve is open to the public, and there are tracks giving access through the forest. Educational facilities have been established at the reserve, and around 2,000 school children visit the sanctuary each year.

History[edit]

In 1880, 391 ha (966 acres) were transferred from Uru Te Angina to James Moore for £483. Moore established a large farm on the estate and his son Frank Moore became known as a breeder of cattle and horses. However, 99 ha (245 acres) were preserved, and this area is now the Bushy Park Tarapuruhi reserve.[1][2] The forest reserve and the homestead, built for Frank Moore in 1906, were bequeathed to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand by Moore upon his death in 1962.[3][4]

A 4.8 km (3.0 mi) pest-exclusion fence around the reserve was completed in May 2005,[5] and two aerial drops of rodent bait occurred later that year.[4][6] The sanctuary was declared predator–free in 2006. A secondary predator fence was subsequently constructed to enclose around 8 ha (20 acres) of open space and wetlands surrounding the homestead, as a defence against rats and mice that could enter in vehicles visiting the homestead and adjacent buildings.[7] The opening of Bushy Park’s kiwi creche in 2005 was marked by the arrival of a female kiwi chick from the Waimarino Forest.[6]

A celebration of the centenary of the Bushy Park reserve was held on 27–28 October 2006.[8]

In 2009, Bushy Park was judged as being one of the top 25 ecological restoration projects in Australasia.[9]

There was an incursion of rats into the sanctuary in 2014.[10] The Bushy Park trust mobilised volunteers to assist with predator control to eliminate the rats, but also announced their intention to seek funding for a paid full-time staff.[11]

The forest reserve and homestead were renamed as Bushy Park Tarapuruhi in 2019. The meaning of tarapuruhi is "place of abundant bird life".[12]

In 2020, work began to extend the forest reserve by retiring a 2 ha (4.9 acres) paddock that had been leased out for grazing, and restoring it with plants sourced from within the reserve.[13] In 2022, a further project commenced to revegetate an area of 4 ha (9.9 acres) of paddock within the sanctuary boundary. The project was expected to take 3–5 years, and required the expansion of the sanctuary's plant nursery and shadehouses.[14]

In 2023, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi was chosen as one of three venues for a national celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Forest & Bird Protection Society.[15]

Management[edit]

The title to the forest reserve and bird sanctuary has been retained by Forest & Bird, but management is via a partnership between the Bushy Park Trust, Forest & Bird and the local iwi Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi.[16][17] The homestead and its surrounds have been owned and managed by the Bushy Park Trust since 1995.[18][19] As of 2024, Forest & Bird pays the salary of sanctuary manager, and volunteers donate 500–600 hours per month working in the reserve. Funding is obtained from multiple sources including Horizons Regional Council.[20]

The Bushy Park Festival, an annual event on the Sunday of Wellington Anniversary weekend, has been a major fundraising event for the trust.[21]

Flora[edit]

The reserve is a remnant of temperate lowland forest. The upper canopy consists of trees such as northern rātā, matai, miro, kahikatea, totara, rimu, hīnau, tawa, and pukatea. The large number of pukatea is a particular feature of the reserve. The canopy trees support a wide range of ephiphytes including astelia, ferns and orchids, along with climbing plants such as rata, clematis, New Zealand passionfruit and supplejack. The sub–canopy of the forest includes nīkau palms and tree ferns such as mamaku, along with tarata/lemonwood, kohukohu, tikoki and rewarewa.[22]

The third layer within the forest contains plants adapted to growing in reduced light conditions with a cooler and more humid environment. These include juvenile forms of the canopy trees along with smaller tree ferns, māhoe, comprosma species, kawakawa, five-finger, rangiora, pigeonwood, and kōtukutuku (tree fuchsia).[22] The forest floor supports a wide range of plants that can survive in damp, low light conditions, including ferns, umbrella moss, lichens, liverworts, fungi, ground–dwelling orchids and tree seedlings.[23]

A major visitor attraction in the reserve is a large northern rātā named Ratanui ("Big Rata"). The tree is estimated to be 1000 years old.[2] It is 43 m (141 ft) in height while its girth exceeds 11 m (36 ft).[1] Prior to the establishment of the pest–exclusion fence the tree was severely damaged by possums.[6] This tree featured in an international writing project called 26 Trees.[24]

Surveys of the flora in the reserve have identified around 160 native species. This is a smaller species count than might be found in other comparable forest remants. A possible explanation is that there was some stock grazing within the forest until it was fully fenced–off in 1951.[25] Prior to the elimination of rats and possums in 2005, browsing by possoms had caused severe damage to northern rātā and depletion of species such as wineberry and tree fuchsia. However, the health of the forest has since recovered.[23] There had been minimal logging in the forest.[26]

A network of ten forest paths traverse the forest reserve.[27][28]

Fauna[edit]

North Island robin at Bushy Park
Male stitchbird at Bushy Park

Common native bird species that may be found in the reserve include kererū, bellbird (korimako) and tūī, as well as the fantail (pīwakawaka), grey warbler (riroriro), silvereye (tauhou) and pūkeko. Avian predators such as the New Zealand falcon (kārearea), and white–faced heron (matuku moana) can also be seen.[27][29]

North Island robin (toutouwai) were introduced to the sanctuary in 2000, with an initial population of 28 birds. An additional 12 females and 6 males were added in 2004.[5] By 2019, the population was estimated at 600 birds.[30] North Island saddleback (tīeke) were introduced in 2006, starting with 40 birds. By 2016, the population had increased to more than 400.[31]

Populations of some bird species in the Bushy Park reserve have increased to the extent that relocations to other sanctuary areas have been undertaken. In 2014, 40 North Island saddleback (tīeke) were translocated from Bushy Park to the 230 ha (570 acres) Lake Rotokare fenced sanctuary in Taranaki .[32] In 2017, 40 North Island robins (toutouwai) were translocated from Bushy Park to the Lake Rotokare sanctuary.[33] A further 40 North Island robins were translocated in 2021 from Bushy Park Tarapuruhi to the Turitea Reserve in Palmerston North.[34][35]

The stitchbird (hihi) has a conservation status of ‘nationally vulnerable’. Fifty birds were introduced to the sanctuary in 2013.[31] In 2018, ten hihi were translocated from Tiritiri Matangi Island to Bushy Park to increase the genetic diversity. The breeding success of hihi at Bushy Park has varied between 14 and 48 chicks fledged each season.[30] The 2020–21 hihi breeding season was particularly successful, and the number of females in the sanctuary doubled to 16.[36]

In May 2022, a flock of 52 whiteheads (pōpokotea) were translocated from Waitahinga Reserve to Bushy Park.[17] In April 2023, around 60 rifleman (tītipounamu) were translocated from Taranaki Mounga to Bushy Park in an arrangement facilitated by the local hapū of Taranaki Mounga.[37][38]

Giraffe weevils, glowworms, and huhu beetles are also found in Bushy Park.[27] In 2016, a 24 hour bioblitz was held at Bushy Park to gain more understanding of the invertebrates living in the sanctuary.[39][40]

Wetland[edit]

Bushy Park wetland

The reserve includes a wetland area that has been developed as an educational resource. The wetland has boardwalks, jetties and a 60 seat covered amphitheatre that can be used as an outdoor classroom. The development of the wetland area was funded and constructed by community volunteers.[26][41]

Education[edit]

The Bushy Park Tarapuruhi Trust provides education programmes for primary and secondary school children at the sanctuary. These programmes began in 2001,[42] and are supported by volunteer educators working in collaboration with educators from Whanganui Regional Museum, Sarjeant Gallery, and rangers from the Department of Conservation.[43] An outdoor classroom is located adjacent to the former stables behind the homestead. The classroom, named Tāne Whakapiripiri, was opened in 2017 and seats 60-80 under waterproof shade covers.[44] The activities offered include studies of the biodiversity and ecology in the sanctuary, walks through the sanctuary, art and camping.[45] Around 2,000 students visit the sanctuary each year.[26]

Visitors centre[edit]

A visitors centre was opened in 2019. It was constructed in former stables behind the homestead, and provides a visitor interpretation centre, space for exhibiting historic items and toilet facilities.[46] The heritage displays in the visitors centre include a horse tack room with equipment used in bridling horses, and the quarters for the groom. It also includes the generator that powered the homestead before the arrival of mains electricity.[47]

Homestead[edit]

Main article: Bushy Park Homestead

The reserve includes a 22–room Edwardian-era homestead built in 1906 which is registered as a Category I historic place with Heritage New Zealand.[48][49]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Bason Botanic Gardens and Bushy Park Forest Reserve". 100% Pure New Zealand. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b Workman, Jayne (12 May 2022). "Rātānui Reverence". www.forestandbird.org.nz. Archived from the original on 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Bushy Park Gift". Wanganui Herald. 21 June 1962. p. 1.
  4. ^ a b "Grand Old Lady of Bushy Park Celebrates 100 years". Flow Magazine, Issue 5. Bushy Park Trust. 2006. Archived from the original on 14 March 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  5. ^ a b Bruce, David (6 May 2005). "Encouragement for predator fence plan". Taranaki Daily News. ProQuest 315211107.
  6. ^ a b c "Bushy Park – a Wanganui Treasure". savethekiwi.org.nz. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  7. ^ "Bushy Park". Forest & Bird Magazine. 322: 30–31. November 2006. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  8. ^ Koubaridis, Andrew (5 October 2006). "Bushy Park 100th birthday bash". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  9. ^ Gibson, Eloise (15 April 2009). "NZ tops in eco projects". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012.
  10. ^ Stowell, Laurel (29 November 2014). "Bushy Park's in full rat attack mode". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  11. ^ Stowell, Laurel (22 December 2014). "Call for full-time staff at Bushy Park". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  12. ^ Stowell, Laurel (7 August 2019). "New name, new visitor centre for Whanganui's Bushy Park". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  13. ^ Stowell, Laurel (7 October 2020). "Whanganui forest sanctuary Bushy Park to be extended". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  14. ^ "Bushy Park gets eco restoration". Whanganui Chronicle. 26 July 2022. pp. A.2. ProQuest 2693847920.
  15. ^ Wylie, Liz (24 March 2023). "Big Birthday Bash for Forest & Bird at Whanganui's Bushy Park Tarapuruhi". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  16. ^ "Redefining conservation". Victoria University of Wellington. 2 February 2024. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  17. ^ a b "More than 50 pōpokotea whiteheads reintroduced to Whanganui sanctuary". RNZ. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Spring Joy Spring Joy". Whanganui Chronicle. 30 September 2023. ProQuest 2869964100.
  19. ^ "Bushy Park Trust". New Zealand Business Number. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  20. ^ Tweed, Mike (6 February 2024). "Bushy Park Tarapuruhi sanctuary near Whanganui in line for significant funding boost". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  21. ^ "Sun finally comes out on Bushy Park Festival". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  22. ^ a b Robinson 2006, p. 99.
  23. ^ a b Robinson 2006, p. 101.
  24. ^ Workman, Jayne. "Within | 26 Trees". 26project.org.uk. Archived from the original on 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  25. ^ Robinson 2006, p. 98.
  26. ^ a b c Guthrie, Kate (14 April 2019). "Community-led conservation dates back to 1960s at Bushy Park-Tarapuruhi". Predator Free NZ Trust. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  27. ^ a b c "Bushy Park Awarded". Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  28. ^ Frances, Helen. "Bushy Park Kiwi Creche". fourcorners.co.nz. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  29. ^ "Bushy Park Sanctuary". NZbirds.com. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Bushy Park nurtures 41 young hihi". Whanganui Chronicle. 23 May 2019. p. A.3. ProQuest 2228719442.
  31. ^ a b Wylie, Liz (22 November 2016). "Take a pew at Bushy Park". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  32. ^ Finer, Petra (2 June 2014). "More Tieke return to Rotokare". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  33. ^ Persico, Christina (4 May 2017). "Robins to add genetic depth at Rotokare Sanctuary". Stuff. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  34. ^ Rankin, Janine (29 June 2021). "The robins return to Turitea Reserve". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Local Focus: Robins return to Manawatū". The New Zealand Herald. 1 July 2021. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  36. ^ Stowell, Laurel (1 April 2021). "Whanganui's Bushy Park Tarapuruhi sanctuary has good hihi breeding season". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  37. ^ Wylie, Liz (22 April 2023). "Tiny birds find new home Titipounamu resettled at Bushy Park in project led by hapū". Whanganui Chronicle. ProQuest 2804013237.
  38. ^ "Titipounamu return to ancient homeland thanks to generosity of Taranaki Maunga hapū". Forest & Bird. 24 April 2023. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  39. ^ Maslin, John (16 February 2016). "Bioblitz uncovers vital information about insects". Whanganui Chronicle. Retrieved 14 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  40. ^ "Citizen science". New Zealand Geographic (154). November–December 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  41. ^ "New Visitor Centre Opens at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi". Rotary District 9920. September 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  42. ^ McDonald, Anne-Marie (18 November 2017). "Call of Nature; Educating the next generation at Bushy Park wildlife sanctuary". Whanganui Chronicle. ProQuest 1965179627.
  43. ^ "Education: Bushy Park Tarapuruhi". Bushypark.nz. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  44. ^ Stowell, Laurel (24 June 2017). "Outdoor classroom opens at Bushy Park". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  45. ^ McDonald, Anne-Marie (23 October 2017). "Conservation gets pupils back to nature at park". Whanganui Chronicle. ProQuest 1953659828.
  46. ^ Leach, Abe (16 September 2019). "Conservation Minister opens new visitor centre at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi". Whanganui Chronicle. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  47. ^ Wade, Pamela (22 August 2020). "World Famous in NZ: Bushy Park Tarapuruhi Historic Homestead and Forest Sanctuary". Stuff. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  48. ^ "Bushy Park Homestead". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  49. ^ Roxborogh, Tim (7 February 2021). "Luxury and history in Whanganui's Bushy Park". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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