Restoration of Vegetation at Smugglers Bay, Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Northland. Technical Advisory Notes
- Author
- Bergin, D.O; Bergin, M.J.
- Year
- 2010
- Publisher / Organisation
- Environmental Restoration Ltd
- Number
- ERL 10/09
- Pages
- 35
- Species
- Spinifex sericeus, kowhangatara, spinifex, silvery sand grass, Ficinia spiralis, pingao, pikio, golden sand sedge, Desmoschoenus spiralis
- Keywords
- Coastal restoration, dunes, indigenous, foredunes backdunes, rabbits, middens, erosion, Northland, archeological
- Summary
- Following a field visit, technical advice is provided on restoration of native vegetation at Smugglers Bay, Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Northland. The foredunes at Smugglers Bay are highly modified and have poor natural form and function. Rabbits have contributed to this degradation and are still having a significant influence. Loss of natural dune form and function at Smugglers has had many consequences including changes in the stability of the dunelands, loss of indigenous biodiversity, modified habitats and erosion of archaeological sites. In order to develop a restoration plan for Smugglers Bay, a brief outline is given of the processes and importance of dune form and function, the nature and impact of human-induced factors contributing to duneland degradation, and practical options for reducing erosion and protecting middens. Amongst a range of management issues and options discussed, priorities for restoration at Smugglers Bay are establishing native sand binders on the foredune and the control of rabbits. This along with planting appropriate ground cover natives on semi-stable dunes more landward will reduce erosion of middens. Once foredunes are restored, restoration of backdunes should initially focus on establishing a range of native shrub hardwood species in groups within sheltered areas.