The future

In 2005, Longbush Reserve was recognised as a Priority 1 RAP (recommended area for protection) by the Department of Conservation.

Longbush Reserve has many advantages for long-term ecological restoration. The riverside bush and the hill area are protected by QEII covenants, with several other large QEII covenanted blocks across the western ridge, making this a viable habitat for many species.

The corridors for wildlife are already in place, with good seed stocks and established populations of many species of native birds in Longbush Reserve and the PMA across the river. Three creeks run from the ridgelines across the flats to the Waimata River, providing a variety of habitats.

Longbush Reserve is also close to Gisborne City, and is thus an ideal site for educational purposes. Steve Sawyer of Ecoworks, an acknowledged expert in the protection and restoration of endangered species, including petrels, geckos and kiwi, is responsible for the planning and execution of the project.

The Longbush Ecological Trust is being set up to manage and restore the covenanted areas. It is the owners’ intention that once the Trust’s long-term viability is secured, the covenanted areas will pass into the Trust’s ownership. A Management Plan has been produced outlining future opportunities for the conservation of Longbush Reserve and the Waikereru Hills