Alpine Plants

 

Main species visible from January / February are Gentians.  However, there is a vast array of plants out on the Pisa Range all visible from the trails. 

 

Wild Life

Black Back Gulls normally associated with the ocean, nest in the craggy rocks. They arrive at the beginning of August each year.  Other birds seen are the native falcon the Karearea. Ground Larks nest in the exposed native vegetation. Flocks of small birds feast on sorrel seeds. Paradise ducks nest near the river and bogs. Occasionally a pair of cheeky Keas can be heard and seen on the trails.  2002 was the first winter that Snow Farm was visited by Keas.

 

Points of Interest

The rock formations covered in lichen are ever changing. Sheep grazed the land until the 1980’s. The sheep were mustered to the valley in the Fall each year to shelter from the winter storms. On the opposite side of the river valley in Hanging Valley, sheep that missed the fall muster sheltered from the rigors of winter.

 

Brook Trout, released by the Lee family over 30 years ago, can be seen jumping the rocks at Rock Corner on the Loop to go upstream to spawn. The culvert, north of the Meadow Hut at the junction of the Kirsty Burn trail, normally has little fish sunning themselves.

 

Please report to the office before heading out.