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Event

Explore Withiel-Thomas Reserve’s hidden lava rock forest with Urban Ark

Saturday 23 September 2023, 11:00am - 12:15pm

Gnarled trees trunks twist up out of a matrix of boulders from the original Mt Eden Lava flow at this unique location. Join Phil Simpson from Urban and local historian Sel Arbuckle to explore a remnant of Epsom’s critically endangered lava rock forest. Learn the history of the Withiel Thomas reserve and hear about how the Maungawhau Ecological Halo project is working with locals to protect and enhance the few remaining rock forest patches in the area.

This event is part of the Auckland Climate Festival, so we’ll also discuss ways urban forest patches are affected by changing climatic conditions and their potential for mitigating some of the impacts of climate change.


Withiel Thomas reserve, Epsom - Meet on the grass verge at 5 Withiel Drive
Book your place - To ensure attendees can fit comfortably on the track and hear the speakers, numbers will be carefully limited to the first 15 people who rsvp [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Bring - sturdy walking shoes, drink bottle.
We encourage you to walk, cycle or take public transport to this event.


Group: Maungawhau Ecological Halo

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  • Maungawhau Ecological Halo

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© Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao 2025

Photo credits: Bartek Wyptch (grey warbler)

Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao logo: Glenn Jones

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