When Anke and David Lasserre moved from Perth to their five-hectare property on Roxburgh Road in Margaret River six years ago, they quickly fell in love with its bushland, wild orchids and natural beauty.
What they didn’t realise was how quickly invasive weeds were threatening the environmental values of the property.
Today, after working with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s Bush Regeneration Team, the couple has 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, Nature Conservation’s Bush Regeneration Team works with landholders across the region to identify environmental threats, develop management plans and carry out on-ground restoration works.
Anke and David Lasserre tackled invasive weeds with the help of the Bush Rengeneration Team
Drawing on an intimate knowledge of local ecosystems, the team provides practical, site-specific advice to help protect biodiversity, waterways and native habitat. Importantly, all income generated by the service is reinvested into Nature Conservation’s environmental programs across the Margaret River region.
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. “I thought they were so knowledgeable, they did their job, they were on time. They were incredible.
“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.”
Bush Regeneration Team leader Eddy 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.
Nature Conservation’s Bush Regeneration Team
“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.”
Mrs Lasserre said the team’s support had helped turn what initially felt overwhelming into a manageable project. “We had no idea what was on the block and how bad the weed situation was,” she said. “But when Nature Conservation came, we got our head around it and what was doable, and we split up the work. We did some of the work ourselves, and then the Bush Regeneration Team did the rest.”
She also praised the team’s careful approach to weed control. “At first I was worried about spraying, but it was very local and targeted, and really careful of the time of year too, and in the right weather conditions.”
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. “But with the support of Nature Conservation, we got onto it early and it made the job much easier.”
Mr Rodda said engaging the Bush Regeneration Team 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 Bush Regeneration Team, see www.natureconservation.org.au/bush-regeneration-team/