Koromiko Forest Reserve / Collins Memorial

Last Modified: 21-2-2019 5:08

Established as a wildlife park in 1967, administered by the NZ Deerstalkers Association in memory of two prominent members, for thirty years the Collins Memorial Reserve was home to various introduced animal species including deer, chamois, thar, and wallabies.

In 2002, the Marlborough District Council took over management of the reserve, and a plan was developed to revegetate the area. Ironically in spite of having been home to a number of species responsible for damage to native vegetation, the reserve survived as one of the best remaining examples of native lowland forest in the Koromiko area. Many mature tōtara, black beech, and silver beech survived the deer park period.

In 2003 an extensive replanting programme, eventually involving thousands of trees, began with children from the nearby Koromiko School involved in the process. Special attention was given to sourcing seeds locally so that the reserve accurately reflects the native flora of the region.

Native species throughout the reserve have signs identifying and describing them, providing a useful educational tool.

A series of tracks through the forest have been created, some additional land has been acquired and the reserve has been placed in a QE II Covenant so that it will be protected for future generations. The reserve has a total area of about four hectares.

The carpark at the entrance to the reserve is currently designated as a freedom camping site.

Cite this page

Koromiko Forest Reserve / Collins Memorial. (2019) Retrieved April, 20, 2024, from https://www.marlboroughonline.co.nz/marlborough/information/recreation/parks-and-reserves/koromiko-forest-reserve/