Weed season wrap-up

While not all introduced plants are invasive, those that are have a harmful impact on the wider natural environment and on human and animal health. Weeds change or destroy habitats, making it difficult for native plants and animals to survive. They reduce the availability of food and breeding sites for animals and either smother or outcompete our native plants. They also don’t just grow in your garden—they can be found in freshwater, wetlands, coastal habitats, lowland forest, shrubland, and native grasslands. 

Every summer we have a small but dedicated team of two who remove ecological weeds from within the sanctuary. Some of these weeds were already present in the sanctuary, while others come in from neighbouring properties or seeds are dropped in by birds. The team does a fantastic job of identifying the weeds of most ecological importance and targeting them throughout the season.  

This season, they prioritised searching the sites of tree falls, especially around the Valley View track as the absence of these trees creates lightwells where weeds will grow. As well as the annual priorities such as Selaginella kraussiana, sycamore, old man’s beard, and climbing asparagus, species including tradescantia, cherry, and herbaceous weeds were also prioritised.