Berwick Forest, New Zealand facts for kids
Berwick Forest is a very large Pine plantation located near Berwick in New Zealand. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the city of Dunedin. This forest is a huge area of planted trees, mostly a type of pine called Pinus radiata.
The forest is found close to the Waipori River and near the western end of Lake Mahinerangi. It's divided into three main parts: the main block, Maungatua, and Waitahuna. Together, these sections cover a massive area of 13,141 hectares (about 32,472 acres).
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What is Berwick Forest?
Berwick Forest is a special type of forest called a "plantation." This means the trees were planted by people, not grown naturally. Most of the trees here are Pinus radiata, which are fast-growing pines often used for timber.
Who Owns the Forest?
The land where Berwick Forest grows is owned by a company called Otago Land Company. The trees themselves are owned by Wenita Forest Products. This company manages the forest, growing and harvesting the trees.
Fun Activities at Berwick Forest
Berwick Forest is a popular place for outdoor activities. Many people from the Otago region enjoy visiting it.
Hunting Adventures
The forest is a favorite spot for hunters. They often look for deer and wild pigs that have escaped from nearby farms. It's an exciting place for those who enjoy hunting in nature.
Berwick Lodge: A Place for Adventure
Right in the middle of the forest is Berwick Lodge. This lodge is run by the Otago Youth Adventure Trust. It's a great place for young people to go on adventures and learn new skills in the outdoors.
The Big Forest Fire
In the late 1990s, Berwick Forest experienced a very large forest fire. This fire destroyed several square kilometers of trees. It caused a lot of damage, costing about NZ$12 million (which was around US$7 million at the time).
What Caused the Fire?
Experts believe the fire started because of sunlight shining through discarded glass. This shows how important it is to be careful with rubbish, especially glass, in forests. Even a small piece of glass can act like a magnifying glass and start a big fire.
