More than 1000 young wilding trees considered weed pests in the Ashburton Lakes area were uprooted by an efficient team of community volunteers on Saturday.

The wilding pine and rowan removal day was organised by the Ashburton District Council and more than 35 people spent the morning combing land around Lake Camp for the unwanted trees.

Removing them stops the recruitment of new seed sources, preventing further spread and this may take years until they are completely eradicated.

Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said the volunteers played a vital role in the wilding tree removal programme.

“It was great to see people from all parts of the district there, from council staff and their families to Lake Camp hutholders, and members of Forest and Bird and the Ashburton District Biodiversity Working Group.”

Volunteers were divided into three groups to cover wider areas around Lake Camp camping ground, Department of Conservation land and private farmland (with permissions).

“Altogether, over a thousand weed trees including wilding pines, rowans and wild rose bushes were pulled out, which was a great effort and very much appreciated,” Mr Fabish said.

“This was not only a boost to Council’s biodiversity and pest management programme, but it also fostered some good social networking amongst all those who value the area.”

He said weather was perfect for the eradication work, with low wind and sunny skies, and the volunteers enjoyed stunning views.

Weed control days have been held annually in the lakes area to eradicate the introduced species and it is important to keep the positive work going.

Wilding pines or conifers are considered a pest because they grow densely, shading out native species and outcompeting them for water and nutrients.