We spent the day collecting data on the native forest at Arataki in the Waitākere ranges using the skills we had previously practised at Year 12 camp.

While in the bush we noticed very large, mature pūriri trees and lots of other species such as taraire, kowhai, karaka, tawa and tōtara as well as quite a lot of kahikatea.  We were specifically looking at the different species and where they existed in the different layers of the forest. 

Smaller trees and shrubs growing beneath the canopy include mahoe, hangehange, kawakawa and several Coprosma species.  The students were very interested in identifying the trees and their adaptations and we had the help of the staff from Arataki who came on our trip with us.

Data collected will be used to assess Year 12 Biology students. 

It was a great day out and a privilege for us to spend time in such a beautiful stand of bush.