Heard of the ‘transformer’ tree? They take over wherever they start to grow, completely transforming the ecosystem and are referred to as one of New Zealand’s worst pests. Better known to you and I as ‘wilding pines’, these trees are a scourge on our beautiful natural environment around Marlborough, and New Zealand as a whole.
Over Easter Stephen (our MD) took a group of RSE workers from the Solomon Islands – here in Marlborough for the grape harvest – on a conservation trip. Heading up to the Leatham Conservation Area they spent the day successfully clearing wilding pines.
Wilding Pines
Wilding conifers, also known as wilding pines, are an invasive species in New Zealand that threaten our native plants and animals, and millions of dollars are spent on controlling their spread. In the South Island, they threaten an estimated 210,000 hectares of public land administered by the Department of Conservation.
It’s important to note they are a very “thirsty” species of tree, and by removing trees it’s estimated we free up 30-40% water usage in that area – water we can ill afford to waste on wilding pines.
Staying on top of Marlborough’s wilding pine problem takes a huge commitment from DoC as well as volunteers and we were lucky to have the very willing help of our visitors, who in turn enjoyed some sightseeing along the way!
At SWE we really enjoy getting out and making a difference to our local Marlborough environment – and it was wonderful to partner with these enthusiastic Solomon Islanders, who also wanted to make a contribution to our Marlborough community while they are here.
Clearing wilding pines is an enormous job, expensive (for the country), and tough, but we can all help – one tree at a time.
Want to know more about how you can help with wilding pine control in Marlborough?
Contact the local DOC office on 03 572 9100 (Gee Street, Renwick) or 03 520 3002 (14 Auckland Street, Picton).They can provide you with further information on the identification and control of invasive weed species.
You can also check out the New Zealand Wilding Conifer Management Group website which includes information about the National Wilding Conifer Management Strategy.
Want to know more about wilding pines generally?
You might like to watch the interesting ‘Story’ article here: http://www.newshub.co.nz/tvshows/story/invasive-pine-species-threatens-native-plants-2015121618#axzz3uEoC0Gty
And you can find more information here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/common-weeds/wilding-pines/.
