Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia

Pest Management Workshop

Hunter Wetlands Centre arranges workshop to advise volunteers on feral animals and weeds on site

Pest Management Workshop

Hunter Wetlands Centre arranges workshop to advise volunteers on feral animals and weeds on site

Making a Difference -

MEPAAW2-HT-02

The issue

Hunter Wetlands Centre has over 100 volunteers attending on a weekly basis with a number involved in landcare. A lack of knowledge of invasive weeds means that the loss of recently planted trees and time is prevalent. There is also a lack of knowledge of the actions taken on site to eliminate feral animals.

The solution

An application for a $2,500 grans from Local Land Services was made to hold a workshop conducted by appropriate experts to:

Feral Animals

  • Explain the physical characteristics of feral animals
  • Probable impacts of feral animals on native fauna
  • Methods of monitoring and detection with likely success
  • Methods of eradication and implications of each method

Invasive Weeds

  • Definition of a weed can be a plant that does not match management objectives
  • 33 invasive weeds were collected and exhibited at the workshop with attendees r5equired to identify each weed
  • Highlighted the necessity to take an over-all view of the site as weeds can provide a benefit to newly planted tube-stock by "mothering", protecting new plants from direct sun and heat
  • Stressed the need to gradually restore a site over time by starting in a small section and then extending the restored segment as it becomes established
  • Dn not clear fall or use poison on large sections of the site as weeds will be first to return
  • Attempt to retain moisture on restored site by carboard and mulching, installing retention basins or silt traps

The impact

25 people attended the event including Hunter Wetlands volunteers, a National Park and Wildlife Service employee and Worimi representatives.

All attendees were appreciative of the opportunity to be at the workshop and verified that additional knowledge and understanding was evident by the responses to the survey where a majority had increased their confidence and knowledge on weeds and feral animals.

Hunter wetland Centre volunteers and other attendees benefitted from the workshop by increasing their knowledge which will be a benefit for the environment.

Key facts

  • Landcare NSW funding enabled HWCA to run a workshop on feral animals and invasive weeds.
  • All volunteers who attended the workshop indicated that they improved their knowledge and understanding
  • Volunteers indicated that more workshops should be run to improve their general knowledge

Project Partners