hi Ian drop me an email jamiefalloon@xtra.co.nz. There is way more to this discussion than can be followed in a comments section, and too many generalisations by all in this discussion. I can show you pine forest with the same diversity as native and vice versa. solutions aren't linear, and planting many areas of pine on my farm have made a huge difference to the land that has been left pasture and the biodiversity around my farm. Most of the last 30 years people have been trying to stop us farming so it is ironic that now we are told we have to keep farming. As little as 3 or 4 years ago we were being told that lab based food would be the end of farming, so you cant blame people for making a decision in their own best interests.
Disclaimer i farm 750ha of hill country and have 400 hectares of pine tree and approx 100 ha of native forest and forest remnants, and a career in forestry and farming
hi Ian drop me an email jamiefalloon@xtra.co.nz. There is way more to this discussion than can be followed in a comments section, and too many generalisations by all in this discussion. I can show you pine forest with the same diversity as native and vice versa. solutions aren't linear, and planting many areas of pine on my farm have made a huge difference to the land that has been left pasture and the biodiversity around my farm. Most of the last 30 years people have been trying to stop us farming so it is ironic that now we are told we have to keep farming. As little as 3 or 4 years ago we were being told that lab based food would be the end of farming, so you cant blame people for making a decision in their own best interests.
Disclaimer i farm 750ha of hill country and have 400 hectares of pine tree and approx 100 ha of native forest and forest remnants, and a career in forestry and farming