The Saddle Hill
Replant Project
Restoring Saddle Hill’s natural landscape, one native plant at a time.
Trees Planted
1000 / 10 000
Traps Set
0 / 30
Rabbit Fence Layed
0m / 800m
Vision
To restore Saddle Hill’s natural beauty and ecosystem through careful, staged New Zealand native planting.
Background
A fire in 2015, likely sparked by powerlines running through a pine plantation in Kinmont Park, threatened the bush at the top of Saddle Hill.
Strong winds fanned the flames up the north face, but a timely wind change stopped the fire from crossing Saddle Hill Road into the native
bush.
Recognising the same risk on the southwestern slope where the Brighton powerlines run, a corridor of pines was felled in 2019 to reduce the
fire hazard. Unfortunately, this created a wind tunnel that caused more trees to fall, and over time, more than an acre of pines was lost.
To prevent further damage, the remaining trees were harvested in 2023 — creating a unique opportunity to bring the area back to life with
native bush.
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/saddle-hill-fire-warning-taieri-residents
Project Plan
The project area covers just over 3 hectares and includes planting of 16500 natives.
To practically achieve this goal a consultant landscape architect, Nigel Cowburn of Growplan Ltd, has developed a multiyear phased approach.
The total area is divided into 70 modules of 345 m2 each. The modules are divided broadly into open forest, dense forest and open wet area gullies.
Each module has pallet of assorted native species chosen to achieve the functional goal of the module.
The species chosen is based on the DCC Hilltops species list, species survey list for the existing QE2 bush block atop Saddle Hill and walking survey
through the same block to ascertain the species occurrence. Please see the species list below.
Each planting season 10 to 14 modules are planted with approximately 2500 seedlings. Over 6 years we hope the area will be a sanctuary for native
insects and birdlife, but also have added an aesthetic overlay that will be enjoyable for walkers
Species Used
Funding
A project of this scale depends on strong community backing and sustainable funding.
Proceeds from the commercial log harvest and firewood sales have already funded the first two phases — including racking, refencing, and
planting over 5,000 native trees.
The project also received valuable support from the DCC Biodiversity Fund for the 2025 planting season.
Just as importantly, this work wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of local residents and volunteers who have contributed
countless hours.
Looking ahead, we’re inviting the community to get involved through organised walking days to the summit of Saddle Hill. In return for a small
koha, walkers will enjoy one of the best views in the district — and know they’re helping restore a special part of our local environment.