Bridal Creeper Control in the Avon River

A project aimed at mapping and control of Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) and Tamarisk, both Weeds of National Significance (WONS), has begun in the Avon river. The aim of the project, funded by the Australian Government,  is to understand the distribution and abundance of these WONS and then develop an effective control program.

Greg Warburton from Wheatbelt NRM began the mapping earlier this month, and has already surveyed more tham 3km of the riverbank in Northam.

"We have plotted more than 200 occurrences of Bridal Creeper so far- and one site with Tamarisk" reported Greg.

'The focus of our efforts so far has been on mapping the Bridal Creeper while it is still lush and green from the recent rain' explained Greg. 'It dies back in summer and goes dormant, so then we'll focus on the Tamarisk'

Some early spraying has been done already.

Bridal Creeper  is a WONS because it can invade intact bushland and then smother the understory beneath its dense canopy. The resulting monoculture is hard to remove and acts as a source of propagules for new infestations.

Image courtesy of Florabase (http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/8779)

The bright red berries are spread readily by small birds.

Control of Bridal Creeper will benefit the plants and wildlife that use the waterway as a home and feeding resource, as well as many cultural sites along the river. This is a real win for the our regions namesake.

This project is specifically about controlling Bridal Creeper in the main channel of the Avon river, but anyone who wants to report an outbreak of Bridal Creeper in their area can email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au