Ecological restoration

The Centre undertakes research for the restoration of degraded communities in ecosystems that have been impacted by human activity. Forests, coastal dunes, lakes and wetlands are the key habitats we have focused on, including research across a number of fenced sanctuaries. The Centre monitors wetlands, lakes and forests in the Wairarapa closely in order to better quantify the costs and benefits of restoration management techniques. We are investigating new methods for restoration that focus on the role of plant-fungus mutualisms in facilitating the re-establishment of native tree species.  

Our most recent project—Wetlands for People and Place—will combine social, economic and ecological approaches to reveal the many services that wetland ecosystems provide to society and nature.