We did a tour of our regeneration site today expecting the worst after such a long drought. Pleasant surprises that most plants have surprised the long dry, even the 2012 plantings and many have prospered. Partiularly impressive were the small manuka which I thought would surely have shrivelled up in the face of blazing sun, scant rain and poor soil. It is too far – a 20 minute walk at least and steep hills – to take in water and there is no water course.

What had also prospered was the gorse, which shrugs at drought and indeed flourishes. So a daunting task ahead over the next few months to release plants and treat new gorse growth.

The pictures below show some of the regenerated area, and some of the scenic shots taken along the way.