Explore Rimutaka Forest ParkEducation resourceMay 2012

MAY 2012

Published by:Department of ConservationKapiti Wellington AreaP.O. Box 5086Wellington 6145New Zealand

Explore Rimutaka Forest ParkEducation resource

Prepared 2004 by Linda Chronis, on contract to Poneke Area, Wellington Conservancy. This edition revised 2012 by Matt Barnett, Kapiti Wellington Area, Wellington Hawke’s Bay Conservancy.

Photos by Jeremy Rolfe and named photographers.

Third edition© Copyright May 2012, New Zealand Department of Conservation

ISBN 978-0-478-14929-6 (printed copy)ISBN 978-0-478-14930-2 (web PDF)

Second edition © 2009ISBN: 978-0-478-14725-4 (print) ISBN: 978-0-478-14724-7 (web PDF)

First edition © 2004ISBN: 0-478-22624-1

In the interest of forest conservation, we support paperless electronic publishing.

Contents

Contacts 5

Introduction 6

Explore Rimutaka Forest Park education kit 7

Planning a trip to Rimutaka Forest Park 9

Rimutaka Forest Park map 11

Risk Management plan example 12

Risk Management plan template 13

CATCHPOOL VALLEY

Overview 18

Forest structure 19

Curriculum links 19Suggested activities 20Activity template: Native bush brainstorm 21The New Zealand bush 22Trees 24Bird monitoring at your school 28Plants for native birds 29

Forest succession 30

Curriculum links 30Suggested activities 31Action plan template 32

Restoring the forest 33

Curriculum links 33Suggested activities 34Revegetation and regeneration at Catchpool 35Photo points to monitor planting projects 36

Additional information to support Catchpool Valley activities 37

Contacts 5

ORONGORONGO VALLEY

Overview 39

Impact of introduced animals and plants 41

Curriculum links 41Suggested activities 42Tracking tunnels 43

Controlling pest animals and plants 44

Curriculum links 44Suggested activities 45Control options for weeds 46Activity template: Possum control 47Pest animals in Rimutaka Forest Park 48Pest animal control—Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust Inc. 49

North Island brown kiwi 50

Curriculum links 50Suggested activities 51Activity template: Protecting a local animal species 52North Island brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli 53Activity template: Wildlife report writing 54

Land use and management 55

Curriculum links 55Suggested activities 56Land use in Rimutaka Forest Park 57Additional information to support Orongorongo Valley activities 59

New Zealand Environmental Care Code 60

New Zealand Water Care Code 61

Teacher survey 62

4

ContactsTo borrow the Explore Rimutaka Forest Park education kit:

DOC Wellington Visitor Centre18 Manners StreetWellington

+64 4 384 7770wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz.

To download the Explore Rimutaka Forest Park booklet and activity cards:

www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/fi eld-trip-resources

The Explore Rimutaka Forest Park education kit is the property of the Department of Conservation. After use please contact the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre, phone 04 384 7770 to arrange the kit’s return.

For further information on Rimutaka Forest Park please contact the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre.

For information on other Department of Conservation education resources visit www.doc.govt.nz.

5

Introduction

Rimutaka Forest Park is public land managed by the Department of Conservation. Extensive native bush, wildlife habitats, river catchments and mountain ranges provide many learning opportunities for students of all ages and abilities.

Explore Rimutaka Forest Park is a site-based resource for teachers wanting to engage students of any level in Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC). It is also suitable for groups wishing to study the topics within the classroom, or for family groups, scout groups etc wishing to learn more about the area.

The resource is available to download from the Department of Conservation website or as a kit with accompanying books, pamphlets and DVDs.

Advice on planning a trip, including an example Risk Analysis Management form, is included in this booklet but teachers must refer to EOTC Guidelines, Ministry of Education 2009 (http://eotc.tki.org.nz/) for safety management guidelines and other information, prior to taking a group to Rimutaka Forest Park.

6

Explore Rimutaka Forest Park education kit

This booklet can be downloaded along with accompanying activity cards from the Department of Conservation website: www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/fi eld-trip-resources.

It is also available as part of a kit that can be borrowed from:

DOC Wellington Visitor Centre18 Manners StreetWellington04 384 7770wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz

The kit has been developed for education both inside and outside the classroom and focuses on two areas: Catchpool Valley and Orongorongo Valley. Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to the park and suitable for groups on a day trip or those that do not want to venture further into the forest towards the Orongorongo Valley. The Orongorongo Valley, an easy 2 hour walk from Catchpool Valley car park, can be managed as a day trip, but is best suited to groups wanting to stay at Turere Lodge or in the Catchpool Valley campground.

Topics covered for each area are:

Catchpool Valley1) Forest structure

2) Forest succession

3) Restoring the forest

Orongorongo Valley1) The impact of introduced animals

2) Controlling animal and plant pests

3) North Island brown kiwi

4) Land use and management

Please return a

completed survey with your kit.

Rimutaka Forest Park

7

The suggested activities for these topic areas have been designed for levels 1 to 8 to develop skills drawing from the National Curriculum Key Competencies: thinking; using language, symbols and texts; managing self; relating to others; and participating and contributing.

Teachers are encouraged to assess student learning by setting pre-visit, on-site and post-visit activities and can select from a range of options appropriate to learning areas. There are two sets of activity cards—one for Catchpool Valley and one for Orongorongo Valley—which are intended to be used for the suggested on-site activities. Activity cards are also available in te reo Māori.

Alternatively, teachers can cherry pick and adapt activities from the kit to suit their requirements.

The Explore Rimutaka Forest Park kit includes:

• Rimutaka Forest Park booklet– Topic information and activities– Risk Analysis & Management example and template– Activity templates– Environmental Care Code– Water Care Code– Teacher survey master copy

• Catchpool Valley activity cards • Orongorongo Valley activity cards • Te reo Māori activity cards • Rimutaka Forest Park DVD • Books about New Zealand animals and plants • Pamphlets • Activity sheets- laminated master copies • Teacher evaluation form master copy

The activity cards are available for use in the classroom and on site. Each set comprises cards with photos on one side and activities on the reverse side. One set is suitable for a group of 5 or 6 pupils to share. As well as being part of the kit copies of these activity cards are available for printing from www.doc.govt.nz > Getting involved > For teachers > Field trip resources > Wellington

Please remember to check

the kit contents before you return it.

8

Planning your trip to Rimutaka Forest Park

1. Read the suggested pre-visit, on-site and post-visit activities and additional information related to the area.

2. Plan your trip so that it will best meet the learning needs of your students.3. Contact the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre on (04) 384 7770 if you would like to

book the Catchpool Centre for class activities (see Rimutaka Forest Park brochure).4. Arrange transport. If you plan to travel by bus ensure that you have a car available for

emergency use. 5. Locate and use EOTC Guidelines – Bringing the Curriculum Alive, Ministry of

Education 2009 (http://eotc.tki.org.nz/). This document provides teaching and learning support for the national curriculum. It includes information about planning activities outside the classroom.

6. An example Risk Analysis & Management form is included on page 12.7. Compile a checklist of equipment required by each student and each class. The list

should include: food, drink, a waterproof parka, sound footwear and warm clothing, e.g. those made from thermal fi bres such as wool, polypropylene or polarfl eece. Remember that two light LAYERS of clothing are warmer than one heavy one.Students should carry any necessary medication and ensure that the adult supervisor accompanying them is aware of any special medical conditions. Teachers should carry a fi rst aid kit and a comprehensive list of students’ medical histories, and be aware of what medication students are carrying and where it is located. It is recommended that students use a notebook or small exercise book to record trip information, rather than loose sheets of paper.

8. Children under 15 years must be under constant adult supervision.9. Arrange for the possibility of postponement.10. There is no cell phone coverage at Catchpool Valley or Orongorongo Valley. An

emergency phone is located at the Catchpool Centre.Split

your party into small groups and take regular head counts.

9

Getting to Rimutaka Forest ParkThe Catchpool Valley entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park is a 45-minute drive from Wellington. From the roundabout at the southern end of Wainuiomata, follow the Coast Road for 12 kilometres. Turn left into the Rimutaka Forest Park main entrance. (This is 8 km from Camp Wainui and 15 km from Brookfi elds Camp). The gates at the entrance close at dusk and reopen at 8 a.m. The Catchpool Visitor Centre is 200 metres from the main gate. Camping areas are suitable for groups and have basic facilities including water, toilets, showers and gas cookers.

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SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TTTTTTTTTTT To get to the Orongorongo Valley, drive to the end of Catchpool Valley Road to the upper car park. Tracks into Orongorongo Valley are signposted. The easiest and most direct track is the Orongorongo Track. It follows Catchpool Stream and then crosses the ridge to descend to the Orongorongo River.

Groups intending to camp should contact the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre—phone (04) 384 7770, e-mail wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz.

Toilets are located at the Catchpool Centre, Nature Walk entrance, the upper car park and the camping area.

Walking timesCatchpool Valley—Ngā Taonga Nature Walk: 40 min;

Catchpool Valley—Five-Mile Loop Walk: 45 min

Catchpool car park to Orongorongo Valley via Orongorongo Track: easy, 4 hr return.

Catchpool car park to Turere Lodge: easy, 2½ hr one way.

10

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11

School:

Activity: �School groups at Catchpool Valley and Orongorongo Valley

Instructors: Location:

Group: Date:

Risks (signifi cant potential losses)

1 4

2 5

3 6

Causal factors Risk reduction strategies

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attit

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• Lost children• Accident and injury• Special needs students• Hypothermia• Sunburn• Drowning

• Regular head counts• Adult to child ratio of 1:4• All children under 15 should be constantly supervised• Groups stay together at all times• Adult supervisor to stay with group at all times• First aid kits to be carried by teachers• Teachers to bring a car• A teacher or teacher aide ratio 1:1 for special needs students• Sunscreen to be applied before departure. Teachers to carry

sunscreen.• Departure and return times to be advised and monitored by

school offi ce.

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• Bus breakdown• Incorrect or inappropriate clothing/

equipment

• Bus company to notify school offi ce and arrange replacement in case of breakdown

• Children’s clothing: warm clothing, sturdy shoes, parkas,hats, several layers

• Children without appropriate clothing/equipment to remain at school

• All students to carry water. Teachers to carry spare water

Envi

ronm

ent

Wea

ther

, ter

rain

, wat

er, s

easo

n et

c. • Rugged terrain• Rivers• Sudden changes in weather

conditions• Danger of trips and falls

• Split in to small groups with adult to child ratio of 1:6• Students to be supervised near rivers and streams at all

times• Swollen rivers should never be crossed• Adult to remain with group at all times• Teacher to monitor weather and prepare for a quick return if

there’s a sudden change• Sensible, laced, footwear suitable for walking in rugged area• Adults to stay away from steep edges and rocky

embankments at all times• Walk, don’t run

Risk Management plan example

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLE

EXAM

PLERisk reduction strategies

EXAM

PLERisk reduction strategies

Regular head counts

EXAM

PLERegular head counts

Adult to child ratio of 1:4

EXAM

PLE

Adult to child ratio of 1:4All children under 15 should be constantly supervised

EXAM

PLE

All children under 15 should be constantly supervisedGroups stay together at all times

EXAM

PLE

Groups stay together at all timesAdult supervisor to stay with group at all times

EXAM

PLE

Adult supervisor to stay with group at all timesFirst aid kits to be carried by teachers

EXAM

PLE

First aid kits to be carried by teachers•

EXAM

PLE

• Teachers to bring a car

EXAM

PLE

Teachers to bring a car•

EXAM

PLE

• A teacher or teacher aide ratio 1:1 for special needs students

EXAM

PLE

A teacher or teacher aide ratio 1:1 for special needs students•

EXAM

PLE

• Sunscreen to be applied before departure. Teachers to carry

EXAM

PLE

Sunscreen to be applied before departure. Teachers to carry sunscreen.

EXAM

PLE

sunscreen.•

EXAM

PLE

• Departure and return times to be advised and monitored by

EXAM

PLE

Departure and return times to be advised and monitored by school offi ce.

EXAM

PLE

school offi ce.

Incorrect or inappropriate clothing/

EXAM

PLE

Incorrect or inappropriate clothing/•

EXAM

PLE

• Bus company to notify school offi ce and arrange

EXAM

PLE

Bus company to notify school offi ce and arrange replacement in case of breakdown

EXAM

PLE

replacement in case of breakdown•

EXAM

PLE

• Children’s clothing: warm clothing, sturdy shoes,

EXAM

PLE

Children’s clothing: warm clothing, sturdy shoes, parkas,hats, several layers

EXAM

PLE

parkas,hats, several layers•

EXAM

PLE

• Children without appropriate clothing/equipment to remain

EXAM

PLE

Children without appropriate clothing/equipment to remain at school

EXAM

PLE

at school•

EXAM

PLE

•

Rugged terrainEXAM

PLE

Rugged terrainEXAM

PLE

Rivers EXAM

PLE

RiversSudden changes in weather EX

AMPL

E

Sudden changes in weather conditions EX

AMPL

E

conditionsDanger of trips and fallsEX

AMPL

E

Danger of trips and falls

12

Risk Management plan template

Introduction1. Identify the learning outcomes.

• Using the lesson plan process.

2. Identify the signifi cant risks (losses) that could result from the activity.

• Physical Injury • Social/psychological • Material (gear or equipment) • Programme interruption

3. List the hazards (causes) that could lead to each risk/loss. • People • Equipment • Environment

(see below for hazards/factors to consider)

4. Think of strategies that could reduce the chances of each hazard leading to the risk/loss. Pay particular attention to signifi cant hazards.

• Eliminate if possible • Isolate if can’t eliminate • Minimise if can’t isolate • Cancel if can’t eliminate, isolate or minimise

5. Make an emergency plan to manage each identifi ed risk/loss.

• Step by step management • Equipment/resources required

6. Continual monitoring of safety during the activity. • Assess new risks • Manage risks • Adapt plans

7. There is a range of formats available to assist with safety management planning. See sample forms 17, 18 & 19. See chapter 4 of the Outdoor Safety – Risk Management for outdoor leaders (NZ Mountain Safety Council Manual 37) for a step-by-step guide on how to use these tools.

8. It is important to pay attention to signifi cant risks. • It is also important to pay attention to both signifi cant and

minor hazards. Research shows that most serious harm incidents result from a combination of hazards (causal factors), many of which, on their own, are seemingly minor.

• In an education setting, useful thresholds for signifi cant risks/losses are illustrated on the Incident Severity Scale, on page 3 of Sample Form 30, National Incident Database Report Form.

– Severity ranking 3 is the threshold for reporting to the National Incident Database

– Severity ranking 6 is the threshold for reporting serious harm incidents to the Department of Labour.

Taken from: Ministry of Educationhttp://eotc.tki.org.nz/EOTC-home/EOTC-Guidelines

Risk assessment checklistHazards/causal factors to consider for physical and emotional safety when completing risk assessment.

PEOPLE RESOURCES & EQUIPMENT ENVIRONMENT

• Who?• How many?

StudentsActivity LeadersAssistants

• Experience• Eff ective supervisions structure (ratios)• Cultural considerations:

Head touchingSwimming for some groups of girls Observing site signifi cance for cultural

groups• Physical size/shape• Fitness• Anxieties/feelings• Motivation• Student needs:

Educational Medical and Health Language abilities CulturalBehaviour Physical disability

• Social and psychological factors: Get-home-it isRisk shiftDropping your guard Unsafe act/s by participantsError/s of judgement by activity leader

• Information to: Parents or Whānau• Plans and systems• Clothing• Footwear• Food and drink• Transport• Toilets• Safe drinking water• First aid kit and knowledge• Special equipment:

RopeCanoes/kayaks Maps/compassCameras

• Equipment maintenance, quantity, quality• Safety equipmentAre sleeping arrangements/facilities culturally appropriate?

• Weather: ForecastSun Rain WindSnow Temperature; Season

• Terrain: Where? What?Familiar? Unfamiliar?Bush MountainSea RiverBeach

• Accessibility to helpTelephoneDoctorRangerRoads/tracks

• Emergency Services• Security• Animals/insects• Road use• Traffi c density• Fences• Human created environments• Does the site have cultural signifi cance?• Consent and information from

landowner/local iwi

13

Risk management planSchool:

Activity:

Instructors: Location:

Group: Date:

Risks (significant potential losses)

1 4

2 5

3 6

Causal factors Risk reduction strategies

Peop

leS

kills

, atti

tude

s, a

ge, fi

tnes

s, ra

tios,

ex

perie

nce,

hea

lth e

tc.

Equi

pmen

tC

loth

ing,

she

lter,

trans

port,

act

ivity

, spe

cific

ge

ar, s

afet

y ge

ar e

tc

Envi

ronm

ent

Wea

ther

, ter

rain

, wat

er, s

easo

n et

c.

14

Critical incident management

Emergency procedures to manage each identified risk Emergency gear required

1

2

3

4

5

6

National standards applicable

Policies and guidelines recommended (activity specific)

Minimum skills required by activity leaders/assistants

Final Approval Accept Reject

Comments:

15