Get your Hands on Weeds workshops
A hands on workshop including weed identification and control techniques
Capacity building - LEP-028-001
The issue
Through surveys and conversations, it was identified that Landcarers wanted and needed upskilling in weed identification and control techniques and methods on their Landcare sites, either public, private, council or crown lands. Landcarers reported they had some knowledge but wanted more training to increase their skill and confidence levels so they could confidently identify and treat weeds on their Landcare sites, and be able to assist new Landcarers in the group to do this using their newfound knowledge.
The solution
HRLN ran a whole day weeds workshop, providing attendees with information on weed identification and control techniques. Demonstrations were given and tools were provided for participants to practice newfound knowledge of treating multiple weeds that were familiar to them from their Landcare sites. Morning tea and lunch provided time for participants to network with each other and with Hunter Region Landcare Networks staff, to ask more questions and gather information pertaining to their individual sites.
The impact
Landcarers were actively engaged throughout the workshop, learning numerous skills and putting these into practice whilst on site. Following the workshop, attendees reported that they were more aware of their General Biosecurity Duty, and stated that the new skills learned from the day would be used on their sites to help minimise and eradicate problematic weeds.
Key facts
- Funding for this event was provided by Local Land Services Hunter Catchment Contributions.
- The ‘hands on’ component allowed people to put demonstrated skills into practice, giving more confidence to attendees.
- People enjoyed the social aspect of the workshop, allowing time to network with other participants and Landcare staff.
- The workshop was run late April, a time where many other workshops were being run, reducing our attendance rate due to participant burn out.