Margaret River home owners make headway tackling woody weeds

A Margaret River couple have made headway revitalising their property after it was invaded by a scourge of woody weeds.

Anke and David Lasserre moved from Perth to their 5ha property on Roxburgh Road in Margaret River six years ago, falling in love with the bushland, wild orchids and natural beauty.

However, it did not take long until their property began being threatened by invasive weeds threatening the environmental values of the property.

The pair began working with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s bush regeneration team and have made significant progress tackling woody weeds including Sydney Golden Wattle, olives and Japanese honeysuckle, as well as a Watsonia infestation that had spread from a neighbouring property.

“The Watsonia is so invasive and it was heading towards our creek line and waterhole,” Mrs Lasserre said.

“The woody weed control was the big one, and there were also invasive olives and Japanese honeysuckle.

“We had Nature Conservation come out and survey the weeds, give us a plan and help get rid of them too.”

Led by Eddy Rodda and Nathan Hammer, the BRT works with landholders across the region to identify environmental threats, develop management plans and carry out on-ground restoration works.

Mrs Lasserre said the team’s expertise had made a huge difference.

“The team has been amazing, just their knowledge of the different plants and species, and explaining how to distinguish between the different wattles,” she said.

“This whole area where we’re lucky enough to live has very good quality bush and wild orchids. It’s just beautiful and we feel very privileged to be here. And it’s great to have that help so we know what to do and what to look out for.”

BRT leader Mr Rodda said early intervention was often the key to successful weed control.

“Invasive weeds like Sydney Golden Wattle, olives and Watsonia can spread rapidly through bushland and waterways if left unchecked,” he said.

“The Lasserres are a great example of what can be achieved when landholders act early and work together with neighbours to address weed issues across property boundaries.

“We know these local ecosystems intimately, so we’re able to provide considered advice that achieves effective weed control while protecting native vegetation and habitat values.”

Mr Lasserre said the biggest lesson was not to delay.

“If you leave it, the weeds can get out of control and very quickly it can be overwhelming,” he said.

Mr Rodda said engaging the BRT also delivered wider community benefits.

“Landholders receive expert ecological advice and excellent value for money, while every dollar earned by the team goes straight back into conservation projects across the region,” he said.

For more information or to hire the team, see natureconservation.org.au/bush-regeneration-team/.