Free pest plant workshops scheduled

Pest plant experts will pass on tips on how to tackle some of the Northland's worst weeds at free workshops in Paparoa, Whangarei, Kerikeri and Coopers Beach.

This winter will be the seventh year the Northland Regional Council has held the popular three-hour workshops, which its pest plant specialist Sara Brill will host from July 24-29.

Councillor Joce Yeoman, who represents the council's Coastal North constituency, says the council typically holds two pest plant workshops a day at each venue based on demand from local communities.

“Demand can vary from year to year, so this winter we’ll be visiting Paparoa, Whangarei, Kerikeri and Coopers Beach.”

Councillor Yeoman says every year up to 200 people take advantage of the offer to learn how to better manage both land and freshwater-based weeds; either on their own land, or properties they manage for others.

"If you've ever wondered which weed is which, why weeds wander and what we can do about it; come along to one of our informative, fun, and free workshops.”

Sara Brill says the events are a fantastic way to get 'up close and personal' with some of Northland's worst weeds and attendees are often surprised by the fact not all plants are created equal, and some weeds definitely have a lot to answer for in terms of their impacts on the environment.

"The workshops are hands-on, but delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people learn how best to tackle a wide variety of more than 20 pest plants including wild ginger, lantana and moth plant as well as highlighting the need to report freshwater weeds like salvinia and water hyacinth."

Each will include a short presentation, hands-on identification tips and information on control options, including chemicals and other methods.

Workshop numbers are limited to about 30 people each time so registration is essential.

Contact Sara Brill, sarab@nrc.govt.nz, or call directly (09) 470 1162 to register and learn more about the workshops.

HANDS-ON: Pest plant specialist Sara Brill hosting last year's workshop at Coopers Beach.