The purchase of a rare forest with environmental significance will allow a recreation and scientific reserve at Curio Bay in the Catlins to expand its educational and conservation role.
The South Catlins Development and Environment Charitable Trust, with support from the Community Trust of Southland, has bought a 15-hectare forest block near Waikawa Curio Bay Rd to add to the existing reserve.
The block is significant as it is believed to be the only one in the world which exists in such close proximity to an exposed petrified forest.
Project co-ordinator Juanita Thornton said the trust was pleased to bring the land back into public ownership and to restore and protect it.
An upgrade of the Curio Bay Holiday Park's facilities was in the planning stages, with hopes to include educational walks on the coast and surrounding wetlands, to see wildlife.
"We plan on incorporating this block into our designs for an educational experience at Curio Bay and also to encourage the local yellow eyed penguins to nest in here," she said.
This would enable visitors to get a "well rounded experience" of all the area had to offer.
