Explore this special forest with digital SLR cameras in hand, provided by IMAgEN8. Participants will be supported by our photography mentors, Tushar Sharma and Hina Patel who bring a diversity of experiences, styles and interests. They are easy going, fun and enthusiastic, and you’ll enjoy them guiding your photography learning with their friendly style and insights from their 30+ years of combined experience. You’ll feel confident about using a digital SLR camera, like the ones professionals use, in the company of a small group of nature and photography lovers.
Some information on Kohimarama Forest:
Kohimarama Forest is a large (2.3 hectare) remnant urban forest that has never been cleared for pasture. The forest adds a significant canopy cover for the Ōrākei Local Board Area and contains many native trees taller than 10 meters. It sits on the border of Kohimarama and St Heliers, with a receiving catchment of over 250 hectares, mostly made up of residential houses, which will be intensified over the next few years. &nbsp;This forest historically has been undervalued and poorly maintained due to management and ownership constraints; however, it is a significant ecological area and a critical eco-corridor, connecting wildlife, including birds, to pest-free islands of Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf.
The local community, including residents, volunteers, schools, and scientists, want to save this forest and have been working hard to raise its profile and help it reach its full potential. In addition, hundreds of community members and visitors from other regions have visited the forest and are keen to get involved and help save this precious area, as people now understand how significant the loss would be. The forest is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting an abundance of invertebrates and is a breeding ground for pīwakawaka, kererū and many other native/endemic bird species. It is home to adult and juvenile copper skinks (Oligosoma aeneum) classified as ‘At risk – declining’. More than 34 species of lichen have been recorded, including many ‘At risk – naturally uncommon’ species. The forest hosts ancient kohekohe trees older than 200 years and has provided a significant seed source for the wider Tāmaki Ecological district.

Kohimarama Forest Photography Walk