Mt Watkin podocarp forest

Trip leader: Ralf Ohlemüller. After recent trips to the area of Mt. Watkin north of Dunedin and the discovery of its significance for a number of rare species (see BSO newsletter 38), we will now have a closer look at the forests near the 'bottom' of this remarkable volcano. These sheltered forests in the gullies running off Mt Watkin harbour a wide range of mature specimens of podocarp, such as matai, rimu, totara and kahikatea - rare remnants of the magnificent lowland forest that once clothed much of eastern Otago. Ralf has studied species richness patterns in forest fragments in coastal Otago and also tried to reconstruct the potential natural forest vegetation of the area. He will talk about his work on the day. We will be walking off track, so bring solid shoes, outdoor equipment, rain gear and lunch. A hand lens is recommended. Return to Dunedin, approx. 5-6 pm. Meet 9 am, Botany car park 464 Great King Street to car pool (10c/km/passenger).