In
Australia, over 1,000 species of non-local plants have escaped and
made their way into our native bushland and over 15% of our flora
is non-native. Sydney Harbour National Park is currently undergoing
much needed removal of these hazardous weeds. The Foundation is
supporting work carried out to regenerate the native flora and remove
weeds at Iluka and Morella Roads.
Over the years,
parts of Sydney Harbour National Park have seen the rapid spread
of exotic plants and weeds. Scary thought when you consider the
detrimental effect introduced flora has on native ecosystems. These
weeds smother and kill native plants by stealing their much needed
light and nutrients. Weeds also deprive native animals of food and
shelter, harbour pests and can cause allergies.
Weeds enter
bushland from neighbouring gardens, by dumped garden waste or are
carried by urban stormwater. Types of weeds which are being removed
from Iluka and Morella Road include honeysuckle, asparagus fern,
turkey rhubarb, asthma weed, lantana, crofton weed and fleabane.
Dedicated workers
will give native vegetation a boost by removing weeds,
holding controlled burns and planting new native species. The work
being done at these sites also supplements prior work carried out
by volunteers at Chowder Head.
There is much
that you can do on an individual scale to help native plants. Dominic
Adshead, National Parks Project Manager suggests that to stop weeds
spreading in your area:
• Encourage
native plant growth rather than planting exotic species.
• Keep your own backyard weed free. Control or remove plants
that could become invasive or pose a threat.
• Contact your local nursery before planting or if you aren’t
sure whether a species is harmful.
• Avoid dumping garden clippings or prunings over your fence
or into bushland. Take all garden waste to the tip.
• Help keep garden waste out of waterways. Avoid hosing or
sweeping vegetation into drains or waterways.
Dominic also
adds that, “I really hope the locals can take ownership of
this work by helping out” |
