Wanganui's Rob Butcher came upon some heartbreaking damage at his Aramoho lifestyle block recently - caused by feral goats.
Ten years ago he fenced off about 1ha and started planting native trees and shrubs.
"It's a retirement hobby. I have to indulge my obsession with native flora and fauna. I buy all my plants from local retailers and larger purchases of rarer plants from other nurseries," he said.
Some time before that he started noticing goats on a scrubby ridge top opposite his lifestyle block. Last year he counted more than 40 goats feeding on the adjacent property.
Now he says a flock has settled above his property and they have started attacking his native trees. By the time he sees them they have done their damage and moved on.