As a beautiful green space near the city, Summerhill draws thousands of visitors each year, offering year-round access to mountain biking, walking trails, sporting events, and educational programs. For over 40 years, the property has been home to tree planting, both native and exotic, and since 1996, efforts have focused on retiring waterways and preventing hillside erosion through strategic planting. Originally cleared except for scrub in the gullies, Summerhill now boasts 50 hectares—about 40% of its total area—of mixed forests, including native and exotic species, riparian zones, and bush protection areas.
The long-term vision for Summerhill is to restore native forests, foster wildlife, and provide a beautiful, sustainable space for the public to enjoy for generations to come.
The Summerhill Charitable Trust is embarking on a 20ha native forest restoration project that will span the next decade. Trees that Count have assisted us with initial trials of converting exotic to native forest areas around the periphery, the next phase is to start harvesting and replanting in one hectare coups through the centre of the exotic forest.
With public safety in mind, the entire east side forest will close for one month from 7th October 2024. During this time, in partnership with Summerhill Timbers, we will harvest our first coup of approximately 1ha. of exotic forestry then replant in autumn 2025 with native tree species, mixed broadleaf shrubs, flaxes and grasses.
Over time, these new plantings will enhance biodiversity, create even more beautiful spaces for visitors, and help ensure Summerhill remains a thriving green space for future generations. We appreciate your patience as we take these important steps, and we can't wait for you to enjoy the evolving landscape in the years to come.