Barton's Bush

Barton's Bush is a protected forest area within Trentham Memorial Park that contains over 100 native plant species including tawa, totara, matai, and kahikatea trees. Gravel paths and light fencing weave through the space to guide visitors while protecting the delicate undergrowth from damage.

Richard Barton established the grove in 1841 after acquiring 40 hectares of land in the upper Hutt Valley. By preserving this section of native forest, he prevented the land from being cleared like much of the surrounding valley.

The grove contains native plants like Cordyline australis and Coprosma species that hold traditional importance for Maori communities. Walking through the space, you can see how these species are woven into the fabric of the forest itself.

The site is easy to navigate on foot with clear paths suitable for most visitors. Signs and fencing help you find your way while keeping foot traffic away from the most sensitive areas.

This location preserves the largest remaining expanse of lowland mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest across the entire Hutt Valley. It offers a rare window into what the valley landscape looked like before large-scale clearing transformed most of the surrounding area.