Scientist warns wilding pines spreading expontentially

A leading scientist says wilding pines are spreading exponentially and if the government doesn't properly fund control efforts, the problem could get out of control. Wilding pines or conifers take root almost anywhere, spread by windblown seeds. Dr Thomas Paul, who leads research into wilding confiners at the Crown Research Institute, Scion, says the national strategy on wilding pines agreed to last year, has to be underpinned by proper funding, or within two decades conifers will cover 20 per cent of the country. Also Andrew Macalister, from the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust, a community group working to control wilding pines in that area.