The results of Rob Lay’s 13-year reforestation project. Photo: Rob Lay
In fact, on the drive into the cluster of sheds at the centre of Camp Hill, it looks more like an arboretum of trees from around the world than the site of a large-scale native forest restoration project.
Mr Lay said he continued to be inspired by the example of the property’s first owner, Charlie Haines, a free-thinking Irishman who lived at Camp Hill from 1877 until 1945.
As well as preserving the surviving native forest on the property, Mr Haines planted many exotic trees that continued to thrive, including unusual ornamental species like monkey puzzles, redwoods, cedars, fir and spruce.
He also planted rhododendrons and several kinds of fruit frees.
