Story: Southern beech forest

Beech forest on steep slopes

Beech forest on steep slopes

Beech forest protects steep mountain slopes from erosion, and helps regulate water flow in river catchments during storms. Introduced browsing mammals such as red deer and possums are a major threat to beech forests, as they kill mature trees, eat out understorey plants and prevent beeches from regenerating on open ground. Most of these forests on steep land are in public ownership. They are used and enjoyed by trampers and deer hunters.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQA 6500 Col988
Photograph by John Johns

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How to cite this page:

Joanna Orwin, 'Southern beech forest - Uses and management', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13326/beech-forest-on-steep-slopes (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 24 Sep 2007