Driven by the desire to share Wainui Bay’s ancient podocarp forests with future generations, a Tasman couple have built a walkway on their land there.

Chris and Anna Charlton worked with Herenga ā Nuku in 2016 to transfer 90ha of rimu, rātā, mataī, miro, nīkau and a rare stand of pukatea to a Queen Elizabeth II canopy covenant. 

The forest is a mix of 70-year-old regeneration and 1000-year-old native forest. The area has been fenced and pest and weed control undertaken; fernbirds and robins have returned to the area, and kea and falcons are nesting. 

The Charltons say they are driven by the process of sharing for future generations.

“For both of us, the forest and its diversity come first. It’s nice to share it with other    people and encourage them to appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors,” said Chris.

“We both felt it was important to allow public access because you are only a caretaker for the period of your lifetime.”

There are a number of tracks through the forest. One has been graded with the idea of turning it into a shared walking–cycling track; on another, walkers pick their own path.

The Charltons are working with local iwi Manawhenua ki Mohua to decide on a name for the walkway. 

They are also working to create another track on the Ligar Bay side of their property.