Whether you know it as Sifton Bush, Biddy Bush, or by it's scientific name, Cassinia arcuata, this woody shrub is ubiquitous in our area. Although native, Sifton Bush is endemic to southern Australia, mature plants are unpalatable to livestock and large tracts are not desirable in grazing paddocks and can be a challenge to manage.

Typically, the species colonises disturbed and cleared sites but can become established in more fertile areas, where it is able to out-compete degraded pastures.

Additionally, Sifton Bush is a massive seed producer; studies have shown a single mature plant in one square metre is able to produce 4100 million seeds.

Sifton Bush is notoriously difficult to eradicate. Removal by mechanical means has some success but even that can lead to tyre punctures!

Watershed Landcare will be hosting a Farm Walk on Saturday 28 May at Eastwood, Rylstone, to explore the incorporation of an undeveloped block of 20 hectares into a mixed grazing system.

The area had a long history of cropping and set stocking and the landholders, who took over the management of the block 3 years ago, thought the best option was to rest it.

As it turned out, the resting of the area created different management issues. The long rest period produced areas of erosion that weren’t as prominent previously and, consequently, an increase of Sifton Bush.

The landholders will discuss their strategies and future management plans for this block, including their strategy for managing Sifton Bush.

The Farm Walk is free to attend for Watershed Landcare members and $10 for non-members, with a BBQ lunch provided.

For further information or to RSVP contact Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, on 0412 011 064 or by email: claudia.wythes@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare through partial funding from the Australian Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare grants and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services.