New book explores natural history of Banks Peninsula

A concise and up-to-date summary of the landscape, vegetation and wildlife of the uniqu
e volcanic landform of Banks Peninsula has been published by Canterbury University Press.

Natural History of Banks Peninsula is the work of botanist and conservationist Hugh Wilson and draws on information he gathered during a five-year botanical survey of the peninsula.

The book traces the natural history of the area, including the impact of two waves of human colonisation, and looks at the flora and fauna, geology and ecology of the peninsula today.

The text is accompanied by a range of stunning photographs and a number of the author’s own pen and ink drawings. The book also includes full checklists of species found on the peninsula.
Mr Wilson said the aim of the book was to provide a detailed appreciation of the landscapes, history, plants and animals of the region for local residents, Christchurch citizens and visitors from further away.
He said he hoped the information would appeal for its intrinsic interest as well as helping all sorts of landowners – farmers, life-stylers, conservation trusts, councils, government departments and home gardeners – with land management.

The publication of the book was sponsored by the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust and the Josef Langer Trust.

As well as being a botanist, Mr Wilson is also a reserve manager, writer and artist who has lived and worked for more than 20 years on Hinewai Reserve, a nature reserve on Banks Peninsula that is privately owned and funded but freely open to the public. He has written a number of books on New Zealand’s natural history, including field guides to the plants of Mount Cook National Park and Stewart Island.

Natural History of Banks Peninsula by Hugh Wilson, published by Canterbury University Press, RRP $30