Alternative Species Transitional Forestry: A Case Study
For small property owners, balancing financial return with environmental sustainability can be challenging. Alternative species transitional forestry is emerging as a popular approach that integrates carbon forestry and native restoration. But what does this look like in practice?
The Site: McQueen’s Valley Road
Located in the Banks Peninsula of Canterbury, overlooking Diamond Harbour, the McQueen’s Valley Road property is surrounded by forestry operations and includes a block of Corsican pine. However, a section of scrubby tussock and overgrown paddock was unsuitable for pasture, providing little financial return.
The planting area is exposed to strong winds, occasional light snowfall in winter, and sits on a rocky outcrop. At the time of planting, strict council regulations influenced species selection. Additionally, pests such as wild sheep, pigs, and rabbits posed a risk to newly planted and regenerating trees.
The Goal: Carbon Forestry & Native Restoration
While carbon forestry is not a new concept, its application as a transitional forest using alternative species is less common. The landowner envisioned a diverse, mixed-canopy forest that would eventually revert to native bush. The objectives were:
Establish a transitional forest with carbon income potential.
Facilitate long-term native forest regeneration.
Following spot spraying to reduce grass and weed competition, planting commenced. The chosen species included Eucalyptus nitens, Kānuka, and Tōtara.
Eucalyptus nitens was planted at low stocking with wide spacing, allowing for native species to be interplanted over time.
Kānuka was the dominant native species, acting as a nurse crop to facilitate natural regeneration beneath its canopy.
Tōtara was scattered among the kānuka to enhance biodiversity.
Eucalyptus: High Carbon Sequestration & Revenue
Eucalyptus nitens provides high initial carbon sequestration rates, making it a valuable asset under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Its inclusion allows the property to generate high annual NZ Units (NZUs), which can be sold for income.
Kānuka: Native Regeneration & Ecological Benefits
Kānuka serves as an ideal nurse crop, creating a microclimate that supports the regeneration of indigenous species. Over time, native seedlings will establish under its protective canopy, accelerating the transition to a fully indigenous forest.
The Outcome: Carbon Sequestration & Future Management
The planted areas are now actively sequestering carbon and contributing to biodiversity. The exotic and regenerating native areas have been registered in the ETS, ensuring an annual generation of NZUs.
However, the work does not stop at planting. Ongoing management includes:
Pest control to protect young seedlings from damage.
Survival assessments to monitor tree health and replace any losses.
Interplanting of native species to support long-term forest succession.
This project demonstrates how small landowners can integrate carbon forestry with native restoration, creating a sustainable, financially viable forest that benefits both the environment and the economy.