The Forest Bridge Trust – A community treasure

Tucked away in the hills above Puhoi, Dunn’s Bush is one of Rodney’s true natural treasures. Home to magnificent mature forest, rare native plants, spectacular rock outcrops and part of the renowned Te Araroa Trail, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a remarkable piece of Auckland’s natural heritage. Val and Arthur Dunn recognised its value, gifting the property to QEII National Trust in 1994 to ensure its protection for generations to come.

Today, Dunn’s Bush continues its conservation journey. Ownership of the property is transitioning from QEII National Trust to the Native Forest Restoration Trust, while the land will remain protected in perpetuity under its QEII covenant. Long-time reserve manager Chris Floyd will continue his close involvement with the reserve, helping to ensure the values that make Dunn’s Bush so special are protected.

Protecting a forest like Dunn’s Bush requires more than legal protection, it needs active management. Possums and rats pose a significant threat to native wildlife and vegetation, browsing on native plants and preying on birds, eggs and invertebrates. Since 2018, a dedicated team of volunteers, supported by The Forest Bridge Trust, has been working tirelessly to reduce these threats through regular trapping across the reserve. Their efforts have made an enormous contribution to safeguarding this important forest.

This year marks an exciting new chapter. Through a collaborative partnership between QEII National Trust, The Forest Bridge Trust and Auckland Council, a new network of self-resetting AT220 automatic traps has been installed throughout Dunn’s Bush.

The new automatic traps work around the clock, targeting possums while also reducing rat numbers. Importantly, they allow volunteer effort to be focused where it delivers the greatest impact. Two trap lines are managed by volunteers, while two lines are maintained through the automated network, serviced by Forest Bridge Trust staff and funded by Puhoi Valley Cheese. This combination of community action and modern technology creates a more sustainable long-term predator control programme for the reserve.

Collaborations like this demonstrate what can be achieved when conservation organisations, businesses, local government and volunteers work together. We would like to acknowledge the generosity of Puhoi Valley Cheese, the support of QEII National Trust and Auckland Council, and most importantly the many volunteers who have given their time, energy and enthusiasm to caring for Dunn’s Bush over the years.

As a community asset and a jewel in the crown of Rodney, Dunn’s Bush deserves our support. If you enjoy spending time in nature, want to make a difference for native wildlife, or simply enjoy being part of a great community of conservation-minded people, we would love to hear from you. New volunteers are always welcome. Together, we can ensure that this remarkable forest remains healthy, thriving and full of life for future generations to enjoy.