Gillian and John McLaren believe non-native trees at Bendigo are worth saving. PHOTOS: MARK PRICEA Bannockburn couple have taken up the cause of an abandoned Ministry of Works botanical experiment in Central Otago. Scientists John and Gillian McLaren are trying to find a way to ensure a small plantation of hardy exotic trees on the hills at Bendigo is retained, maintained and made use of. Mrs McLaren said on Saturday she and her husband had tried to have the plantation protected with a QEII covenant, but without success. The McLarens suspect the lack of interest is because the trees are exotic rather than native.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 06, 2020 16:30 UTC