The Milnthorpe Model describes a situation where fast-growing non-indigenous trees such as eucalypts, are used to colonise ex-pasture in order to establish a forested environment where indigenous canopy species can thrive.
The expression was coined in 2010 during a nationwide MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) roadshow on carbon forestry and derives from a 162-hectare (400-acre) property[1] near Parapara Inlet in Golden Bay, New Zealand. This marginal land was progressively planted from 1973 to create what is now a scenic reserve and an arboretum. It has an abundance of understorey species, predominantly natives, and is a popular location for recreational walks.[2]