Episode Description
Emeritus Professor of Ecology David Norton has spent a lifetime exploring Aotearoa’s backcountry — from teenage climbs in Arthur’s Pass to fieldwork deep in Westland’s forests. In this episode, he reflects on how those early tramping adventures shaped a career in ecology, restoration, and helping farmers understand the biodiversity on their land.
We talk about memorable trips in South Westland, riflemen and kaka, the hidden damage deer cause to our forests, and how trampers can help restore resilience to the landscapes they love. David also shares insights from the Think Like a Forest film and explains why native forests — not pine plantations — hold the key to a sustainable future for Aotearoa.