Expert to speak about invasive weeds at AGM

 

Weeds flourish throughout Northland, and the Brynderwyn and Mangawhai areas are no exception. The Friends of the Brynderwyns Society has asked Sara Brill, Piroa-Brynderwyns Weed Action co-ordinator, to speak on invasive weeds and their management at its AGM on September 20 in Mangawhai.

Sara is a pest plant specialist, previously employed by Northland Regional Council for eight years as a biosecurity officer, and by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for six years. She ran the Northland Regional Council’s popular annual weed workshops, attended by hundreds of people keen to learn about the worst weeds and how to deal with them.

Society chair, Martina Tschirky, says Sara is extremely well qualified to inform and advise on the topic.

“If you want to know what weed is which and how to get rid of it from your property, this is a great opportunity to benefit from someone with expertise and vast experience. Feel free to bring along a specimen, have it identified and learn what practical help and advice Weed Action PiroaBrynderwyns can offer you. Sara Brill is already active in the area and keen to assist.”

Sara calls the twelve most invasive weed species that seriously damage our local environment the ‘Dirty Dozen’. They can invade the Brynderwyns, transform and destroy native ecosystems, and more of these types of weeds are appearing and spreading in the area. Once established they smother, prevent seed germination and displace native vegetation. Examples include climbing asparagus, wild ginger, moth plant, woolly nightshade, tradescantia, privet and banana passionfruit. Sydney golden wattle and boneseed are weeds of significance on the coast.

All are welcome to attend the meeting. Social distancing will be practised.

„ Friends of the Brynderwyns Society AGM, Domain Hall, Moir St, 2.30pm, September 20