Friends of Studhome Bush Scenic Reserve Society Incorporated

F.O.S.B is a Charitable Society, formed with the intention of restoring the 281ha Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve (in the Waimate Gorge) on behalf of our community, to a flourishing native forest ecosystem. The forest was once part of an estimated 9000ha of native podocarp forest that covered the Hunters Hills. This will be an inter-generational project - native totara trees can take up to 2000 years to mature!

In January 2025 we completed the the first 3km of a 9km pest proof fence to keep wallaby and other browsing mammals out of the reserve. Wallaby, assisted by pigs and goats have effectively destroyed the understory and any chance of forest regeneration. The fence will cost approximately $250,000.00. We estimate it will cost approximately $25,000 annually for at least the next 17-20 years to plant the 175,000 trees needed, plus maintenance, for a functioning native forest eco-system to return.

This is our chance to make a positive difference for the future of our children and the tamariki who follow after them. This is our answer to not just helping mitigate climate change at a local level - the reserve could absorb a minimum of 40, 000 tons of CO2 over a 50 year period - but also a chance to reverse NZ's high rate of native species threatened with extinction. Additionally, just 2km from Waimate's Town Centre, the reserve is a great resource for recreation, mental and physical wellbeing and as a magnet for contributing to our local economy through visitor expenditure.