Weeds

Our wonderful Australian native plants are under threat from weeds which take over bushland areas and deprive them of space, light and nutrients.

Weeds spread into the bush via airborne seeds, down waterways, or by birds and other animals. Sometimes people even help weeds to invade native environments, by dumping their garden refuse (which contains weeds) into the bush. Once they've become established, weeds are very difficult to remove from an area.

Wherever you live, there are a few simple things you can do to stop the spread of weeds:

• Don't dump weeds, prunings or grass clippings in the bush - they introduce new weeds and allow established weeds to spread further. Shred and compost garden weeds instead.
• Keep weeds out of the waterways. Don't sweep or hose garden waste down the drain - it only ends up in our rivers, which can become clogged with exotic vegetation.
• Grow natives, rather than introduced plants, in your garden. Popular flowers like nasturtium, lantana, honeysuckle, morning glory and black-eyed Susan can all spread easily into native bushland. Other garden plants are equally dangerous.
• Protect open spaces, both on your property and in public places. Keep these places weed-free, and stop soil erosion by encouraging native plants to grow there.
• You’ll want to choose the best options for native or suitable non-native plants, to stop weed invasion in our bushland. Your local council or nursery can advise or visit the Sydney Weeds Network website for more information.

There are many volunteer programs that need your help to work on pest animal control and bush regeneration. View the range of volunteering opportunities in NSW national parks.

Pest animals

Many animal species have been introduced into Australia from other countries, and can sadly have a devastating impact on our Australian native plants and animals by competing with Australian animals for food and harming native vegetation. To help reduce the impact of introduced animals, you can follow these tips:

• Keep your cat or dog indoors at dawn, dusk and night. Native animals are most vulnerable to attack at these times, when they do most of their feeding.
• De-sex and microchip cats and dogs, and keep them inside at night.
• Attach loud bells to your pet's collar, to warn wildlife when they’re around.
• Make sure pet cats are de-sexed. Large numbers of feral cats already live in bushland areas, preying on native animals.
• Give lizards and small marsupials a refuge from cats and dogs, by placing terracotta pipes and piles of stones around your garden.
• If you own a large property, fence off bush corridors for wildlife so they can safely move through cleared areas.