by 1843 the island was barren with few plants. however, due to the introduction of species by the british, ascension island's green mountain is now one of the few large-scale planned forests, and is gradually growing with each year. its highest point is at 859 m. non-indigenous plants teem there, and the crown of green mountain is a lush halo of bamboo. flanking one side is a large stand of tall norfolk pine, trees planted by british mariners, which were to have been used as replacement masts for sailing ships. in june 2005 the first national park on ascension island, the green mountain national park, was opened.