Harris Scientific Reserve

The Harris Scientific Reserve Kanuka Sanctuary (located on Lovett's Rd, Winslow) protects one of the last dry land Kanuka plantings in Canterbury.  Forest and Bird were granted a 'license to occupy' by the Ashburton District Council on condition a trust was set up to manage the site.  The total area of 11ha is now managed by the Ashburton Community Conservation Trust; the Official Opening took place in March 2010.

In 2009/10 a total of 1200 Kanuka, Coprosma, Muehlenbecia and Melicytus were planted in two days by 105 members of the public.

Restoration plantings have been taking place in the reserve since 2010, including in conjunction with the 2010 Rugby World Cup, to commemorate the coronation of King Charles in 2023, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Forest and Bird in May 2023.

Signage to educate the public about the important biodiversity values of the reserve was installed at the reserve in 2019.
Part of the reserve is used by a model aero club.

Location: 409 Lovetts Road, Maronan

The reserve is made up of one land parcel, which is a classified Scientific Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977.

Join us as a volunteer here.