Hamilton forests restoration project planned

A $9.5 million environment heritage park is planned for Hamilton.

The park, which would be next to Hamilton Zoo, last week received the backing of Hamilton City Council's social and community committee.

The project would recreate the Hamilton basin's original kahikatea-dominated forests, a landscape which has largely disappeared since the mid-1800s.

It will feature the same fencing protection already in use at Wellington's Karori wildlife reserve.

Waikato University ecologist Dr Bruce Clarkson said the project would place the city at the worldwide forefront of biodiversity restoration efforts.