THE WOODLAND - SHELTER ON THE PLAINS
When the settlers first took up pastoralism on the Canterbury Plains there was no shelter for the flocks of sheep that would soon be covering the area. The two prevailing winds were the hot, dry nor’wester and the intense cold of the southerly.
As a sheep farmer and a member of the Provincial Council, John Hall promoted tree planting in Canterbury from 1856. His main aim was to provide shelter. His property, like all the others, was originally unfenced so that in a gale, stock would be driven before the wind and scatter far and wide. Much time was subsequently spent searching for the animals. Protection from the wind was especially crucial at lambing and shearing. Hall had experimental plots set out soon after his arrival.
The choice of trees was extremely important. They had to be able to withstand both heat and cold and survive in a low rainfall area. Hall eventually concluded that Pinus radiata was the best suited to the region. But he also enjoyed deciduous trees and the woodland plantation of 37 acres (14 ha ) not far from the homestead contains oak, elm, ash and sycamore. Read more about Sir John Hall and Tree Planting here.
Today, visitors enjoy walking through the mature woodland. Kate Foster, a great granddaughter, with the help of friends and family members has been responsible for naturalising Galanthus nivalis - snowdrops, bluebells, hellebores and cyclamen along the woodland walks. Primroses and violets were planted by her ancestors and cover extensive areas.
This woodland is able to be enjoyed by visitors on Open Garden days.
When the settlers first took up pastoralism on the Canterbury Plains there was no shelter for the flocks of sheep that would soon be covering the area. The two prevailing winds were the hot, dry nor’wester and the intense cold of the southerly.
As a sheep farmer and a member of the Provincial Council, John Hall promoted tree planting in Canterbury from 1856. His main aim was to provide shelter. His property, like all the others, was originally unfenced so that in a gale, stock would be driven before the wind and scatter far and wide. Much time was subsequently spent searching for the animals. Protection from the wind was especially crucial at lambing and shearing. Hall had experimental plots set out soon after his arrival.
The choice of trees was extremely important. They had to be able to withstand both heat and cold and survive in a low rainfall area. Hall eventually concluded that Pinus radiata was the best suited to the region. But he also enjoyed deciduous trees and the woodland plantation of 37 acres (14 ha ) not far from the homestead contains oak, elm, ash and sycamore. Read more about Sir John Hall and Tree Planting here.
Today, visitors enjoy walking through the mature woodland. Kate Foster, a great granddaughter, with the help of friends and family members has been responsible for naturalising Galanthus nivalis - snowdrops, bluebells, hellebores and cyclamen along the woodland walks. Primroses and violets were planted by her ancestors and cover extensive areas.
This woodland is able to be enjoyed by visitors on Open Garden days.
