As a remnant of the extensive native forest, the Talbot Forest reserve preserves such giants as Totara, Matai and Kahikatea. The reserve bears the scars of logging, and the removal of intruding exotics, and a re-introduction of native species is the objective of a long-term management plan. Parking and picnic spots can be found in Hislop St, Totara St and North Town Belt. The forest holds a variety of native birds: Fantails, Riflemen, Wax-eyes, and Wrens. The piping note of the Bell-birds and Mokos are familiar voices in the bird choir, and occasionally you may hear the Morepork and the Brown Owl.