Thousands of Australian native plants are susceptible to PC, with many at risk of extinction due to its impacts. As such, it has been recognised as a ‘Key threatening process’ , with a threat abatement plan developed by the federal department of the environment.

At North Barker, we take a proactive approach to identifying and managing this hidden threat. Our teams conduct broad-scale surveys for the symptoms of PC (i.e. dieback) and to identify PC susceptible species/vegetation. After these initial assessments, we undertake targeted soil sampling at identified ecological monitoring points. We are then able to complete lab-based soil analyses to confirm if PC is present/absent. Based on these results, we work with clients, stakeholders and regulators on the best course of action to ensure the areas with existing infestations are not worsened, and pathogens aren’t introduced to unaffected areas through strict hygienc protocols and management.

For many projects, we have developed tailored hygiene protocols and comprehensive management plans that address project needs while following best practices and meeting legislative requirements. Our industry-leading approach translates into practical and cost-effective solutions for clients, allowing them to move forward with confidence, knowing their projects are designed to minimise impacts and avoid costly setbacks, as well as preventable damage to nature.

While professional management is essential, everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of PC. Simple steps such as cleaning soil from boots, vehicles and equipment (such as walking poles and tent pegs) before moving between sites, sticking to established tracks, and following local signage and hygiene controls all make a big difference. Together, these actions support broader PC management efforts, helping protect Tasmania’s unique ecosystems for generations to come.

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As such, between late 2024 and early 2025, two of Tasmania’s internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands — the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar Site and the Little Waterhouse Lake Ramsar Site — were the focus of detailed natural values investigations by North Barker.

We investigated the unique terrestrial, aquatic and aerial landscapes of these protected wetlands, focusing on contributing to the existing natural values knowledge base and cross-referencing all findings with potential impacts from the adjacent proposed development. The following were targeted within the Ramsar sites:

• Hydrology
• Geomorphology
• Water quality
• Vegetation
• Flora (terrestrial and aquatic)
• Fauna (including migratory birds and their flyways)

Understanding the terrestrial and aquatic natural values present in Ramsar sites is critical to identifying potential risks and ensuring that any future development nearby avoids and minimises harm to these sensitive areas – as well as contributing knowledge for improved management of the sites.

Both sites support diverse species, vegetation and habitats, many of which are rare or threatened, making them high priorities for conservation planning and targeted management. Our surveys added some new threatened species not previously known within the Ramsar sites, such as Cuscuta tasmanica (golden dodder).

The information gathered on vegetation communities, bird life, aquatic habitats, and other ecological features, provides a valuable baseline for long-term monitoring. Protecting these sites is not only about conserving their biodiversity, but also safeguarding the vital ecosystem services they provide. Through careful environmental impact assessment and ongoing ecological monitoring, the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River and Little Waterhouse Lake Ramsar sites can continue to be recognised as living examples of Tasmania’s natural heritage and remain resilient within a multiuse landscape.

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Classified as an environmental weed in Tasmania, mirror bush thrives in coastal dunes, seabird colonies, wetlands and rocky shores, where it can displace native vegetation, obstruct seabird burrowing, and hamper the natural seasonal flux of plant succession in these dynamic environments.

Reducing and ultimately eradicating mirror bush from coastal areas, particularly seabird breeding colonies, is critically important, as they (and other weeds) can:

• Compact the soil through increased root occupation, reducing burrowability for seabirds and native rakali (water rats),
• Restrict access to previously used nesting areas and burrows with impenetrable growth,
• Lead to the loss of seabird breeding habitat as they compete with natives and occupy space that would otherwise be occupied by breeding birds, and
• Ensnare, tangle and trap birds, sometimes leading to their death.

The significant risk to seabird habitat posed by weeds is acknowledged in the Australian Government’s Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds and within conservation listing advice for many state and nationally threatened sea birds.

Despite its apparent invasive tendencies and environmental impacts, mirror bush remains a non-declared weed in Tasmania. This means it lacks the legal status of a declared weed under the Biosecurity Act 2019, which could otherwise mandate eradication and impose penalties for non-compliance. Instead, it receives a lower-tier classification, resulting in a cautious, advisory approach, but still allowing free trade, cultivation, and lack of management. As such, control of the species is often left to volunteers and community groups savvy to the environmental risk and who don’t want to see their favourite patch of bush be taken over or their local seabirds displaced.

North Barker have somewhat adopted the voluntary task of mirror bush control on Picnic Island for this reason, helping restore the islands precious habitat after a rapid case of weed expansion and subsequent impact upon seabirds. These before-and-after images illustrate our success from 5 years of primary and follow-up treatments.

North Barker’s expertise in weed and hygiene management plans for sensitive environments has allowed us to develop and implement both a highly effective and cost-efficient program for Picnic Island while balancing works with the sensitive seabird habitat, with the results of the work clear in the dramatic reduction of mirror bush and improvement of penguin and shearwater burrowing habitat. Our work also benefits from an ecosystem-orientated approach, emphasising that high impact weeds aren’t just those declared under legal biosecurity provisions.

Our land management expertise extends beyond island seabird colonies, with North Barker contributing to the development of comprehensive weed management strategies for numerous municipalities, including Clarence, Sorell, and Flinders Councils. We have also delivered specialist roadside weed management projects across Tasmania, such as managing the Department of State Growth’s Priority Weed Sites program. To execute all of these projects we draw upon our ability to work at scale, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and apply consistent, science-based approaches to weed control across varied landscapes. If you have weed and hygiene requirements for your next project… or want to address the problem on your land before its too late, contact us for your land management needs.

The post Mirror bush: Harmless garden beauty or silent environmental threat? appeared first on North Barker Ecosystem Services.

Located off Tasmania’s northeast coast, the island is managed by Traditional Owners from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC). Though being most famous for its supersized tiger snakes (Notechis ater serventyi), the island unfortunately also boasts supersized thickets of African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), a declared weed in Tasmania (also a Weed of National Significance [WONS]), which poses a large threat to various ecosystems if left uncontrolled.

On Mt Chappell, boxthorn has crowded out many natives, including impressive coastal paper daisies – it’s also highly obstructive to seabirds, blocking burrows of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) and ensnaring migratory shearwaters, which once bred in their hundreds of thousands on the island.

So, with that in mind, FOBSI and our team had one clear mission: to battle the boxthorn. Braving harsh winds and remote conditions, the team removed boxthorn from the steep slopes and hard to reach places that TAC Rangers’ machinery couldn’t get to. The trip not only marked a continued step in ongoing weed management on the island, but also deepened our connections with the land and its cultural heritage, and opened the door for future NBES participants to aid the TAC Rangers mission of restoring Mt Chappell.

With company supported participants returning in August 2024 and 2025, the North Barker team are continuing to support FOBSI and the Rangers with their vital work with renewed momentum and refined strategies. With each boxthorn removed, native species are finding more space to thrive, reinforcing the long-term vision of ecological restoration. Our specialist input has also helped identify previously unknown infestations of mirror bush (Coprosma repens), a serious environmental weed on Tasmanian islands, which was subsequently targeted with primary weed control.

These trips aren’t just about removing a weed—they are about healing a landscape and honouring the shared commitment to protecting Country for future generations. All of the North Barker team have been grateful for the time to give back and contribute positively to the islands weed management. We are also thankful for the TAC Rangers for sharing the island with us and to Friends of the Bass Strait Island for facilitating the trip and for their long-term efforts, which are rightfully award winning.

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Mirror bush or taupata to those in New Zealand where it is native, is a highly invasive coastal weed that has a devastating impact on coastal bird colonies through alteration of habitats and the creation of impenetrable barriers to movement.

For the next 12 years, mirror bush proliferated across the island, forming large and dense infestations on the eastern slope in particular, but also gaining a toehold in every nook and cranny possible. Despite gallant attempts by the landowner to cut back bushes where they swamped the walking path or buildings, the mirror bush from humble beginnings spread to occupy more than 50% of the island. The tenacious plants also regrew after being cut back and, to make things worse, material left on the ground regenerated by sending out roots from discarded branches. Enter North Barker…

Since 2021 our team led by Andy North has adopted the island and taken on weed control as a voluntary team building initiative, with annual visits timed for when the migratory shearwater are not present to avoid impacts while they are in their burrows. Finishing a full sweep of primary control took 4 years, however the results have been fantastic and the task of follow-up treatments is much easier than early years, aided by good rates of knockdown using cut and paste on larger plants, and significant rates of recolonisation of bare soil by the native scrambling succulents. Ongoing maintenance control will be necessary for many years and potentially forever, as the mirror bush can recolonise from bird dispersed seeds from adjacent Coles Bay. We’re proud however for the time being to have restored the island habitat for the native seabirds and highly recommend a visit to the island during your next holiday – make sure to keep an eye out for mirror bush when you are there!

The post Voluntourism – Picnic Island weed control 2021-25 appeared first on North Barker Ecosystem Services.

Friends of Franklin Forest was started by Yanti and fellow ex-NBES ecologist Carla Bruinsma in 2020, forming a community dedicated to stewarding and promoting a patch of forest close to their homes and their hearts. They started by tagging a short track through the forest and inviting community members to walk together and learn about the large trees (up to 4 m across), nurse logs, orchids, platypuses, devils, stands of leatherwood, and other ecological curiosities to be found there. Since then, they have been running monthly walks through the forest, and a crew of dedicated folk maintain and create tracks, organise community events and manage weeds in disturbed areas. A community with strength based in its sense of place has formed.

Attending the national Landcare conference was a great opportunity for our guys to meet people from across Australia working to restore and protect our natural values within a variety of different social and ecological contexts. It was inspiring to hear of the many innovative ways farmers and land managers are caring for their land and water. We look forward to more opportunities to manage and restore land in Tasmania, working in collaboration with Landcare groups, indigenous groups, and landowners.

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