Perceptions on wildings shared with the world

In late 2024 we shared shared a survey exploring public perceptions of wilding conifers, led by Tom Carlin at Scion, with Dr Rowan Sprague at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research (now both part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute).

Around 850 people took part. While those who were contacted with the survey likely had some understanding of wilding conifer infestations and management, so might be expected to have similar views, the results showed some range in responses alongside some clear themes standing out.

Asked about their appetite for funding of wilding conifer management, around 70% of respondents supported 'more' funding, and around half supported an increase compared with other weeds. 

Tom presented the results at the 2025 Wilding pine Conference. You can view Tom's slides here.

Rowan presented some of the findings to an international audience gathered at Lincoln University in Christchurch in August. The 17^th International Conference on the Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions (EMAPI). Of this large 3-day conference, half a day was dedicated to a symposium on wilding conifer management, with 12 scientists and researchers sharing their insights and what New Zealand has learned.