Year 12 Biology students visit Arataki Forest

Year 12 NCEA Biology students recently visited the Arataki Forest in the Waitākere Ranges in order to investigate how trees grow in different layers in a New Zealand ngahere (forest).

Arataki Forest is an ancient broadleaf-podocarp forest, and is one of the tāonga (treasures) of the Tāmaki Makaurau region.

Students walked a four-kilometre loop of the forest track, while rangers showed them how plants have specific adaptations that allow them to survive in their particular forest habitat, and discussed the impact of pests on biodiversity. Students then used a transect line to collect field data for use in their assessment report.

The day was finished by enjoying an ice cream while admiring the panoramic view of the wider Auckland area from the visitors’ centre.