A potential beech mast could be on the way next summer...meaning bad news for our wildlife

Climate modelling shows this year's hot temperature in March has increased the likelihood of beech forests seeding early next year.

It means a possible surge in pests in southern Fiordland, along with parts of North Otago.

DOC Principal Scientist Dr Graeme Elliott says the seeds are a double-edged sword - providing food for both native species and predators.

He says it can mean a plague of predators who eat our native birds.