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Uralla Shire Council
Mount Mutton Bush Regeneration Plan
2012 -2022 (v. 2)
Mount Mutton Bush Regeneration Plan 2012 – 2022 (v. 2)
This plan has been developed in partnership between Southern New England Landcare (SNELCC), Kate
Boyd and Uralla Shire Council, through the auspices of the High Country Urban Biodiversity Project.
Uralla Shire Council wishes to express their particular thanks to Chris Whackett, Bush Regenerator with
SNELCC, who undertook substantial Bush Regeneration efforts on Mt Mutton during 2011 and drafted the
first edition of this plan.
Council would also like to thank the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Uralla community for their
participation and continued support of Bush Regeneration works on Mt Mutton..
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
ABOUT THIS MANAGEMENT PLAN…………………………………………………………………………………….5
VEGETATION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
ANIMAL LIFE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
WEEDS AND BUSHLAND REGENERATION…………………………………………………………………………12 BUSHLAND REGENERATION AIM AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE RESERVE……………………………..15
ASSESSMENT AND WORK TO DATE………………………………………………………………………………….15
FUTURE PRIORITIES FOR BUSHALND REGENERATION ......................................................... 21
MONITORING AND EVALUATION……………………………………………………………………………………..25
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………26
FUNDING FOR THE PLAN…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 28 PLAN REVIEW……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………28
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... ……26
APPENDIX 1: SPECIES LIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS GROWING ON MT MUTTON ................ 30
APPENDIX 2: WEED CONTROL RESOURCES………………………………………………………………………35
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Mount Mutton is one of two hills on the northern edge of the town of Uralla. The Mount Mutton
Reservoir and Lookout includes the upper part of the western hill, a small remnant basalt cap surrounded
by sandy granite soil. Mt Mutton got its name from early European settlers who grazed their sheep on its
flanks.
The Reserve hosts a look-out, a water reservoir and a communications tower. It is managed by Uralla Shire
Council on behalf of Crown Lands for public recreation and water supply. An electricity line corridor runs
down the southern flank of Mt Mutton, this corridor is maintained by Essential Energy who keep it clear of
vegetation. A walking track loops around the hill and links Mt Mutton to the r Business District via Alma
Park while a vehicle access track leads to the summit. While the Reserve has a service function, the
combination of native vegetation, a look-out, picnic facilities and walking/vehicle infrastructure engages
community use and enjoyment of the Reserve through walking, nature study, and picnicking. A number of
Uralla residents visit Mt Mutton on a regular basis while signage on the Uralla - Bundarra Road invites
visitors to detour to the summit for a rest break.
Given the multiple functions of the Reserve and its surrounds, management of the public land asset needs
to balance community access, maintenance of infrastructure and security of electricity supply, community
safety, bushfire hazard, while accommodating historical and cultural importance of the site.
In the last decade, there has been increasing recognition of Mount Mutton’s natural value and local
conservation significance. Council and the community have been more involved in improving amenity and
access: the construction of the walking track in <INSERT YEAR>; and painting by local young people of a
mural on a water reservoir. In terms of the conservation value of the Reserve, in 2011 the High Country
Urban Biodiversity Project engaged the first bush regenerator, Chris Whackett, to lead weed control
efforts on Mt Mutton. Chris was assisted by participants of the Path Finders program (Department of
Juvenile Justice). In 2012 Council engaged a bushland regenerator, Kate Boyd, to continue that work.
Figure 1: Aerial photograph Mt Mutton Reservoir and Lookout Reserve, Uralla.
The Mt Mutton Bush Regeneration Plan provides guidance for managing, restoring and conserving the
ecological values of the Mt Mutton Reservoir and Lookout Reserve, along with other tracts of public land
on the slopes of the hill. Private land on Mt Mutton was not surveyed for the purposes of this
management plan, therefore no specific recommendations regarding the scope of bush regeneration work
required on privately held land are made.
The authors strongly recommend that Uralla shire Council and its partnership agencies work with
surrounding private landholders as an integral part of all bush regeneration activities in order to maximise
the gains made to weed control and other works on public lands.
This plan uses the principals of Bush Regeneration as its framework. This approach relies principally on
strategic weed control using techniques that focus on enabling natural regeneration of indigenous plants
and minimising opportunities for weeds to re-invade.
ABOUT THIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
As no resources are guaranteed to be available, this plan proposes actions and bush regeneration
priorities that can be implemented as and when funding and/or skills and knowledge become available.
Finally, while no specific community engagement and communications recommendations have been made
in this plan, the authors recommend that such techniques are employed as a given part of any bush
restoration and management plan for the Reserve.
Structure of the Management Plan
Four management areas based on the amount of remnant vegetation and degree of weed incursion are
identified for the Reserve and its surrounds (labelled Area 1 through 4). Management guidelines and
principles are given on an area by area basis.
Area 4 on the western slopes of the hill, to the boundary of Rocky Creek, has been completely taken over
by Pinus species and other weeds, and can no longer be considered bush land. Given the degree of effort
and investment required to rehabilitate Area 4, full consideration of it falls beyond the scope of this plan.
However, it is also understood that management of this Area does affect the recovery of Areas 1 - 3
because pine and other weed seeds are spread by wind and birds into Areas 1 - 3. To minimise ongoing
removal of pine seedlings from Areas 1-3 the pines and other weeds in at least the top of Area 4 should be
considered for removal.
Most of the vegetation on and around Mt Mutton has been cleared, much of it to allow mining activity
and agriculture; and, later, for residential development and on occasion for reaction. Sufficient native
groundcover and seed has remained to enable recovery of vegetation and the return of native animals on
the upper slopes and summit. Currently, most of the Reserve is a remnant patch of native woodland/open
forest dominated by Silver-top Stringybark with a high diversity of other native species.
Tree structure lacks mature trees with hollows, needed by many species of birds and mammals for food,
habitat, breeding, nesting and shelter. Most of the surrounding landscape has less diverse native
vegetation or is not publicly accessible; therefore, the native vegetation and its associated wildlife are
major values of the Reserve. It is a site where people can easily and frequently appreciate one of the
ecological communities that once naturally occurred in much of the district.
The south-western section of the reserve is a dense pine forest with little native vegetation. Dominated by
Cluster or Two-finger Pine (Pinus pinaster) with some Radiata or Monteray Pines (Pinus radiata). It is
referred to in this Plan as Area 4. These are spreading into the bushland from seed. Where the pines are
dense there is often little understorey because deep shade and the carpet of pine needles limit what can
grow there. There are isolated natives and patches of introduced shrubs, scramblers or grasses.
Generally, the presence of large volumes and the diversity of weeds around the hill, together with the and
the proximity of the Reserve to town gardens, means that the remnant vegetation of the Reserve is prone
to invasion by exotic plants and common weeds.
The native vegetation of Mount Mutton Reserve was surveyed and described by Lachlan Copeland of
EcoLogical Australia in December 2010. The following description is largely extracted from his,
unpublished, report.
The native vegetation of Mount Mutton Reserve consists of a diverse woodland/open forest dominated by
Silver-top Stringybark (Eucalyptus laevopinea). Occasional trees of Rough-barked Apple (Angophora
floribunda) and Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) are also scattered throughout the area, while beneath
these are often tall shrubs/small trees of Fern-leaved Wattle (Acacia filicifolia) and Hickory Wattle (Acacia
implexa). Along the walking track in the south-eastern section of the reserve three other Eucalypts are
present but these are in very low numbers and never dominate to the same extent as Silver-top
Stringybark and Rough-barked Apple. These additional, uncommon species are Blakelys Red Gum
(Eucalyptus blakelyi), Apple Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana) and Mountain Gum (Eucalyptus dalrympleana
subsp. heptantha).
The shrub layer in the reserve ranges from very sparse (i.e. areas best described as a grassy woodland or
grassy open forest) to relatively dense (i.e. “layered” woodland or open forest). The most common native
shrubs in these areas are Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa), Cough Bush (Cassinia quinquefaria)
VEGETATION
and Australian Indigo (Indigofera adesmiifolia). Unfortunately some of the shrubbier areas are also
dominated by a range of introduced woody weeds such as Hawthorn rataegus monogyna), Cotoneaster
(Cotoneaster sp.) and Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense). These woody weeds all have succulent fruits
which are readily eaten by birds, notably Currawongs which do not digest the seeds, and these weeds are
therefore most common beneath trees where the birds have been perching and depositing remnants of
the fruits and seeds.
In the less disturbed areas of the reserve the ground layer is in excellent condition and consists of a
diverse range of native grasses and herbs such as Native Sorghum (Sorghum leiocladum), Kangaroo Grass
(Themeda australis), Snow Grass (Poa sieberiana), Longhair Plume-grass (Dichelachne crinita), Common
Bluebells (Wahlenbergia communis and W. luteola), Common Woodruff (Asperula conferta) and Native
Geranium (Geranium solanderi var. solanderi). Closer to the main access points (e.g. adjacent to the
lookout car park and along the walking tracks) are numerous introduced weeds which dominate the
immediate areas. Amongst the most common of these are Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Wild Oats
(Avena sp.), Lamb’s Tongue (Plantago lanceolata), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Sheep
Sorrel (Acetosella vulgaris) and Common Vetch (Vicia sativa).
No threatened ecological communities, as listed on either the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act
1995 and/or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, occur within Mount
Mutton Reserve. No plant species of particular conservation significance were recorded during the survey.
The vegetation’s significance is at a local level. The diverse native ground-flora gives this site values that a
tree-covered grazing paddock or an area planted to native trees and shrubs lack.
So far 108 indigenous native plant species have been recorded, including 9 tree species, 1 mistletoe, 14
shrubs, 5 scramblers, 1 fern, 16 native grass species and 62 herbs in many different families including lilies,
sedges, daisies and peas. This is quite high diversity. Non-vascular plants like mosses were not identified. A
list of recorded plants can be found in Appendix <INSERT NUMBER>.
There is also a high diversity of weeds: 88 non-indigenous species have been found all of which should be
regarded as weeds in this bushland area. Seven species are declared as noxious weeds in this district. The
abundance and distribution of weeds were assessed in 2011 and used to define four Areas of differing
weed cover.
Figure 2: Dwarf Skullcaps. Figure 3: Austral Trefoil.
Figure 4: Burr Daisy.
(Photos by Lachlan Copeland, 2010)
Many different species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals live much of their lives in the Mt Mutton
Reserve, use the area as part of their home range or visit occasionally. Uralla Shire Council does not have
many records of species found within the Reserve or its surrounds. WIRES Coordinator, Denise Freidman,
reports that kolas have been seen in the vicinity of the Reserve. Observations by visitors and bush
regeneration teams record the presence of grey kangaroos and wallaroos grazing on native grasses, herbs
and some weeds species. Many species of birds have been spotted. Some nest in the trees or shrubs. Black
Cockatoos feed on seeds they extract from pine cones and probably on some native insects and seeds.
NSW BioNET records a sighting of Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysopte) near Mt Mutton. The Varied
Sittella is listed as 'Vulnerable' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. There are other
recorded sightings of listed species in the area around Uralla, but a search in January 2013 of the BioNET
database did not reveal which species are associated with Mt Mutton. Harp traps set by ecologist Phil
Sparks, caught X, X and X species of bat on 30 September 2011. Microbats are likely to sleep in the trees
by day and feed by night on flying insects caught in the woodland or over surrounding properties.
Echidnas are likely to forage for ants and termites. Arboreal mammals could include possums and gliders
that feed on succulent parts of trees and shrubs plus insects. Reptiles and frogs are likely to be found on or
under stones, pieces of wood or grass tussocks. The most common animals would be invertebrates living
on trees, shrubs, herbs, dead wood, leaf litter, roots and soil organic matter.
The diversity and abundance of mammals, birds and possibly other groups would have been greatly
reduced when much of the vegetation was cleared and timber was removed in the past. Many species
have returned as vegetation regrew but the trees are not yet old enough to have many hollows so
populations of the many mammal and bird species that depend on hollows either to breed in or to sleep in
will not have recovered (e.g. gliders, microbats, parrots). Similarly the diversity and abundance of
invertebrates, reptiles and birds that normally live in or under logs or feed on log-dwellers may be limited
by the shortage of logs.
Local naturalist and photographer Frank Lowe generously provided the following photographic record of
some of the fauna of the Reserve and its surrounds.
ANIMAL LIFE
Definition of ‘weed’
Weeds adversely affect native plants and native animals. Weeds compete against indigenous native plants
taking space, light, moisture and nutrients. Invertebrates and larger native animals that depend on
particular native plants for food or habitat will be less abundant if their preferred native plants are less
abundant (e.g. the butterfly that feeds on Austral Trefoil). A full discussion of the legislation and
management of weeds is beyond the scope of this plan. It is useful however to examine briefly how this
plan approaches the definition of weeds.
There are five main categories of weeds:
• Noxious Weeds, those listed within the Noxious Weeds Act 1993
• Weeds of National Significance (WoNS), weeds listed under the National Weeds Strategy
• Environmental Alert List: weeds identified through the National Weeds Strategy as being in the
early stages of their development in Australia
• Water weeds, weeds that occur in freshwater ecosystems (potentially in Rocky Ck not Mt Mutton)
• Other plants that do not belong in the particular site (in this case, non-indigenous plants).
Some of the weeds identified on Mt Mutton belong to the Noxious Weeds or WoNS lists (in some cases
weeds are listed on both). And in the main targeting these plants form priority actions for management
within this plan. However, it is not just the presence of a particular plant and whether or not it is a weed,
that concerns this plan: it is the presence of a plant and the density and abundance of its occurrence, that
poses a threat to native bushland regeneration. It is for this reason that plants not listed on any weeds list
are considered for control along with listed plants 1. By extension of this rationale, some 'non-native and
invasive' plants occasionally present higher priorities for management than listed species in respect to the
bush regeneration objectives outlined for Mt Mutton.
On Mount Mutton the purpose is to manage the bushland to be an example of a type of native woodland
ecosystem that was widespread before European settlement. Any non-indigenous plants recorded would
have been introduced from other countries either accidentally or deliberately through gardens or rural
properties, then subsequently spread. So in addition to the above, if Australian natives from other districts
that do not naturally occur in Mt Mutton’s type of woodland were introduced they would also be weeds in
this context. For clarification, the only Australian plants currently considered to be 'weeds' on Mt Mutton
are Cootamundra Wattles. The priority given to their treatment would be assessed in relation to their
invasiveness, habitat values and other weeds priorities.
1 These plants have been labelled 'non-native and invasive' to avoid confusion with those weeds on the
Environmental Alert List.
WEEDS AND BUSHLAND REGENERATION
About Weed control
This plan deals with containing and managing weeds. To that extent its purpose is protect native
bush assets on Mt Mutton. Prevention and complete eradication of weeds on Mt Mutton is for
capacity and resourcing reasons, beyond the ability of Council and the Community to achieve.
Methods
It is important that the methods chosen to reduce weeds will efficiently enable the natural ecosystem to
recover since this is the aim. Some methods tend to kill many other plants as well unless implemented
very carefully (even “selective” herbicides kill many species including many natives). Often reduction of
weeds can create good conditions for more of the same or different weeds to germinate and grow, or
good conditions for surviving native plants to grow and for native seed stored in the soil to germinate.
Methods of weed control have been developed to limit opportunities for ongoing weed growth while
maximising natural regeneration of the diversity of native plants occurring in a site.
These are called bushland regeneration methods. They include working on a site repeatedly over many
years, and letting the predicted and observed rates of regeneration of natives determine the location, rate
and species worked on (see Buchanan 2009, pp 117-123 and 175-200). The focus on observing the native
plants and waiting for them to regenerate in response to gradual weed control distinguishes bush
regeneration from other methods which focus primarily on the weeds (e.g. quickly killing the thickest
weeds first) and may depend for long-term control on mulching, sowing or planting cleared patches.
General Principals
Three principles for bush regeneration Bradley (2002) are largely applicable to Mt Mutton:
• Always work from areas with native plants towards weed-infested areas.
• Make minimal disturbance to the environment.
• Do not over clear: let native plant regeneration dictate rate of weed removal.
Wherever Mt Mutton has a thick cover of ground plants including natives, the overstorey weeds can be
removed, starting in areas with most natives. However, dense patches lacking native groundcover should
not be cleared until they are surrounded by healthy growing native groundcover that can seed into the
cleared area, thereby augmenting the soil seed bank.
Bush regeneration skills and knowledge
Bush regeneration uses many different techniques: some involve chemicals, some do not, some require
advanced training and skills and should be undertaken by experts only, while some are easy to learn on
the job and are more suited to volunteers and amateurs.
The ability to distinguish particular weeds from similar native plants and one weed from another are vital:
many of Mt Mutton’s weeds are easily distinguished but knowledge is needed to avoid mistakes about
others. Sound knowledge of chemical types, their application and the impact of weather conditions on
chemical treatments is also very important. Many chemicals require qualifications to use. People who
don’t have a Chemical Application Certificate (ChemCert) may use glyphosate herbicide for cut stump
application, painting on foliage or spray up to 20 litres/day.
Many native grasses and wildflowers are too easily killed by even small amounts of glyphosate spray-drift,
so where spraying is needed it is often better to choose a semi-selective herbicide for which ChemCert is
required. Most of these herbicides have residual effects on seedling germination or through root uptake
and experience is needed to judge which native species are likely to be sensitive to the herbicide. Foliage
of isolated natives can sometimes be protected (e.g. with plastic bags/shields before spraying).
The role of natural regeneration
Since quite high diversity of native plants has survived previous disturbance on Mt Mutton there will be
plenty of native seeds in the soil in most locations. Encouraging natural regeneration will be the most
efficient way to restore most of the weedy areas after weeds have been reduced. Localised disturbance
from reduced shading of the soil or digging out small weeds will enable germination. Seeds of native
grasses and herbs could be collected on site to sow directly, or seeds and cuttings could be grown by a
nursery, in localised patches where there is little native groundcover or low diversity (e.g. north east of the
picnic table).
Aim: Maximise the natural values of Mount Mutton Reserve as an example of a woodland ecosystem
appreciated by local residents and visitors.
The objectives to be achieved by management of the bushland (Areas 1, 2 and 3) are
1. Reduce non-indigenous plant species that compete with indigenous species for space, light,
moisture & nutrients. particularly noxious or invasive species.
2. Increase the abundance and maintain or increase the diversity of indigenous ground cover, shrubs
and trees primarily through natural regeneration.
3. Improve habitat values for native animals.
4. Reduce any non-native animals that threaten native animals or plants.
5. Enable walkers and other visitors to appreciate the Reserve’s natural values, learn about
management issues and enjoy activities that do not threaten the natural ecosystem.
6. Undertake work in ways that efficiently use the self-sustainability of native species and improve
ecosystem resilience (e.g. regeneration from soil seed bank, limit erosion).
7. Undertake work in ways that contribute to local social, economic and environmental objectives,
including enabling council staff and/or other local people to gain awareness or understanding,
skills and other social or economic benefits.
Considerable work was done in 2011 as part of the High Country Urban Biodiversity Project (HiCUB)
funded by NSW Environmental Trust. Density and distribution of weeds was assessed in 2011. Four
contiguous areas with similar amounts of weeds were defined based on average cover of all weeds,
however, some large patches of key invasive species were mapped in addition to defining particular areas.
Please refer to Figure 11.
Area 1
Mostly has very little or no weeds but there are some small weedy patches, estimated average weed cover
<5%.
Values: High quality remnant area of Silver-top Stringybark Grassy Woodland.
BUSHLAND REGENERATION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE RESERVE
ASSESSMENT AND WORK TO DATE
Outcomes to aim for: maintenance as Silver-top Stringybark Grassy Woodland with high diversity of native
species in tree, shrub and ground layers; reduced woody weeds abundance of <2% with no weeds setting
seed.
Time frame: 5 -10 years.
WEED STATUS PRIORITY
St Johns Wort Noxious Weed High
Privet sp. Noxious Weed High
Hawthorn, Cotoneaster Non-native and invasive High
African Love Grass Noxious Weed High
Ivy and Honeysuckle Non-native and invasive High
Spear Thistle Non-native and invasive Medium (high along path)
Fleabane Non-native and invasive Low (medium along path)
Rose Campion Non-native and invasive Medium
Various exotic grasses Non-native and invasive Medium
Various exotic herbs Non-native and invasive Low
Table 1: Main weed species present Area 1.
Coolatai Grass has been reported to occur in this zone but only one small patch was found in 2013. If it
is found then controlling it, and if possible eradicating it, would be a high priority.
Work to date:
• A few isolated pine trees were ring-barked then very slowly died
• Most of the other woody weeds have been removed. More to be done at the west end of the Area
• Some exotic grasses were sprayed with glyphosate
• Some patches of ground weeds and scramblers were sprayed or removed by hand (St John’s Wort,
Thistles, Rose Campion, Nightshade). Spraying with metsulfuron methyl + Consume killed St John’s
Wort or seriously set it back with only temporary effects on the grasses. Some patches of St Johns
Wort were sprayed in 2013 with glyphosate: regeneration of these areas should be monitored.
Figure 11: Priority weed management zones on Mt Mutton.
Area 2
Average 5-10% weed cover due to a few pine trees, larger patches with significant ground or shrub weeds
and some dense patches of Cotoneaster and privet. Please refer to Table 2.
Values: High quality remnant area of Silver-top Stringybark Grassy Woodland.
Outcomes: maintenance will enable diverse native ground cover to replace ground weeds and leave little
space for weeds to germinate; no Weeds of National Significance; noxious weeds, woody weeds and other
species regarded as particularly invasive reduced to minor occurrence and kept under control so little or
no fresh seed is produced; areas with other obvious exotic grasses or herbs declining.
Time frame: 8 - 10 years.
WEED STATUS PRIORITY
Blackberry Noxious Weed, WONS High
Asparagus WONS High (few plants)
Privets Noxious Weeds High
Cotoneaster Non-native and invasive High (Large infestation)
Other Woody weeds Non-native and invasive High
St Johns Wort Noxious Weed High
African Love Grass Noxious Weed High
Honeysuckle Non-native and invasive High
Pines Non-native and invasive Medium
English Ivy Non-native and invasive Medium
Spear Thistle Non-native and invasive Medium (high along path)
Rose Campion Non-native and invasive Medium
Sweet Briar Noxious Weed Medium (few plants)
Fleabane Non-native and invasive Low (medium along path)
Chinese Wormwood Non-native and invasive Low (prevent expansion)
Tradescantia Non-native and invasive Low (prevent expansion)
Table 2: Main weed species present Area 2.
Work to date:
• Most woody weeds in area labelled ‘privet patch’ killed by cut and painting in 2011.
• Various weeds that subsequently germinated on this site (e.g. thistles, Hemlock, Cotoneaster, Privet)
were controlled in 2012 and early 2013 by various techniques but more have germinated: these
should be sprayed at the beginning of the spring. Weeping grass seed collected from the
surrounding area was sown but few seedlings were evident in May 2013 so re-seeding with native
grasses and further weed control with metsulfuron methyl will be needed after the grass seedlings
are established (this herbicide does affect grass seedlings tho mature grasses survive it).
• A steep slope at the top of this site was covered in weed mat to stop erosion and trees and shrubs
were planted in 2011. Most survive in 2013. Initial attempts to establish native grass in holes in the
weed mat had not succeeded so re-seeding is warranted. Much of the Tradescantia growing nearby
was killed with metsulfuron methyl (the steepest area was deliberately not sprayed). Planting of
grases and watering to ensure it gets established is needed to avoid erosion. Wormwood sprayed
with Kamba 500 (needs repeat treatment)
• Woody weeds cut and poisoned (thorny shrubs and some other large plants also removed):
− 2011: ‘privet patch’ (see above) plus other large shrubs mostly from north of the road.
− May and June 2012: more Cotoneaster and Privet shrubs removed from north of road and just
south of the water tanks various woody weed seedling from locations where large bushes had
been removed in 2011.
− 2012/13 work focussed on large and small plants of all species in north-east section of the
reserve. Near the bottom of the walking track cotoneaster seedlings were sprayed with
metsulfuron methyl + Consume while larger plants were cut poisoned and removed (including
hawthorn previously cut not killed).
• Some isolated pine trees, were ring-barked then very slowly died. Seedlings cut out.
• Some exotic grasses were sprayed with glyphosate in 2011 and 2012/13
• Other ground weeds and scramblers sprayed or removed by hand (, Tradescantia and Cotoneaster
seedlings).
− May-June: some St John’s Wort, Honeysuckle, Thistles
− 2012/13 sprayed most of the Blackberry except a large patch under the wires and any isolated
plants that may have been missed; St John’s Wort, Honeysuckle, Thistles mostly near the
walking tracks and on the northern hill slope plus a Honeysuckle area 30m above the bottom
entry to the walking track. Spraying with metsulfuron methyl + Consume killed these species or
seriously set them back with only temporary effects on the grasses. Some native peas which are
easily killed by this herbicide were saved by partially hand-weeding, moving runners and very
careful spraying. There is lots more honeysuckle and St Johns Wort to be done.
Area 3
Few weeds and many more pine trees, up to 20% weed cover. Please refer to Table 3.
Values: Closely connected to Area 1 and 2. Contains some over storey of Silver-top Stringybark, and under
storey of Bursaria.
Outcomes: The Pine, Cotoneaster, Blackberry and Honeysuckle infestations reduced and controlled. The
area connected to the healthier Area 1 and Area 2 and forms part of a corridor linking the creek to the
summit.
Time frame: Reduction in weed cover of 10% could be achieved within 5 years of commencement of
works in this Area.
Work to date:
• Most of the blackberry and some of the honeysuckle immediately below the walking track was
sprayed in 2012/13.
Area 4
Area 4 is dominated by pine trees Greater than 20% weed cover (mostly pines). Please refer to Table 4.
Values: Currently has very limited value for wildlife. Some passive recreational value.
Outcomes: Potential to clear and plant a corridor that would create a vital link connecting bushland of Mt
Mutton Reserve to riparian area of Uralla Creek.
Time frame: unknown.
Work to date:
• Honeysuckle was sprayed in a relatively open area with native grass above the northern river
bank. Some of the woody weeds in this area were also cut and poisoned. To maintain the native
grass killing a few pines in this vicinity should have medium priority.
• On the south side of the creek in Fitrzroy St road reserve Broom was cut and poisoned, Periwinkle
and some honeysuckle and ivy were sprayed in 2012/13. Trees and shrubs had been planted after
stabilisation of the stream bed with rock and are being maintained by a contractor. Annual
removal of broom seedlings is needed.
WEED STATUS PRIORITY
Pines Non-native and invasive High
Privet
Cotoneaster
Woody weeds
Noxious Weed
Noxious Weed
Non-native and invasive
High
High (Large infestation)
St Johns Wort Noxious Weed High
Honeysuckle & blackberry Non-native and invasive Medium
Fleabane and Spear Thistle Non-native and invasive Low
Unidentified suspected weed Emerging threat Medium
Sweet Vernal Grass Non-native and invasive Medium
Table 3: Weed species present Area 3.
WEED PRIORITY STATUS
Pines High Non-native and invasive
Privet
Cotoneaster
Other woody weeds
High
High (Large infestation)
Noxious Weed
Non-native and invasive
Non-native and invasive
St Johns Wort High Noxious Weed
Honeysuckle Medium Non-native and invasive
Fleabane and Spear Thistle Medium Non-native and invasive
Table 4: Weed species present Area 4.
Photo K. Boyd
Orchids and lilies grow with weeds in the closed road reserve. The partly closed road east of the Reserve with a walking track leading to Alma Park should be managed as part of Zone A. It is not part of the Reserve but has lovely wild flowers.
Following the season of bush regeneration work in 2011/12, two zones for priority actions were mapped
(please see Figure 12). This guided work in 2012/13. It should be reviewed in consultation with the
neighbours who do some volunteer bush regeneration work in the reserve.
• Priority Zone A covers Area 1, the northern and north-western parts of Areas 2 and 3 including a
strip south-east off the road that is accessible and visible from the road, plus a strip along the walking
track as it goes up through the bushland.
• Priority Zone B includes the remainder of Areas 2 and 3. Most of the highest quality ground cover
is in Zone A but many weedy patches threaten its quality (major weeds are listed by Area earlier in this
Plan). There are more pines and Cotoneaster in Zone B.
Zone A should be given highest priority when resources to work on it are available because this will have
most benefit in maintaining the resilience and values of the Reserve, maximising the social and
environmental benefits of work already done (previously funded), and giving visitors to the site the best
opportunity to appreciate the native ecosystem. Volunteers may give more priority to Zone B. If the pines
in Zone B are removed it will be important to ensure that disturbance and extra light do not favour growth
of ground weeds or woody weeds so the cleared area should have increased priority for funded bush
regeneration work .
Bush Regeneration Priorities for Zone A
1. Maintain existing native ground cover and help it to regenerate and replace weeds
This is highest priority both because this makes it harder for new weed seedlings to start growing and
because it has high local biodiversity values.
a) Carefully control of African Love Grass (ALG), St Johns Wort (SJW) and other particularly invasive
introduced ground plants, aiming to stop them spreading while retaining and regenerating as much native
plant diversity as practical. Resources may limit how carefully this can be achieved. As ALG and SJW are
noxious, New England Weeds Authority could control the larger patches but their funding constraints may
limit them to rapid, once-off or annual higher-volume spraying that would put more native plants at risk
than a more tedious and expensive bush regeneration approach.
b) While controlling noxious grasses it is important to keep woody weeds under control, including
their seedlings.
FUTURE PRIORITIES FOR BUSHLAND REGENERATION
All weeds should be killed where a patch of an invasive species is being controlled so the minor species do
not gain ground. Whatever techniques are used, follow-up work at least twice per year over a number of
years is needed and experience should be built by observing responses in one place and trying to improve
techniques.
c) Plan to protect native ground cover from any avoidable disturbance by vehicles, construction or
roadwork, or during repairs. If disturbance is necessary supervising staff should check for native ground
cover and plan to tightly limit disturbance through a site environmental plan. Limiting access to
established tracks and not using vehicles during weed control will help avoid ground disturbance and
spreading grass and other weed seed. Signage may help to prevent further development of informal
walking tracks.
d) When resources permit, carefully remove minor weeds from Area 1 or other patches with diverse
high quality ground cover (e.g. part of closed road reserve). Introduce new native plants through
deliberate planting, if possible, within treated or eroded areas, or those vulnerable to re-incursion.
2. Control weeds in previously treated spots
Control weeds the former privet patch, the 2011 planting zone and other areas where dense weeds have
been removed or sprayed. Assist regeneration of the steepest sites by sowing native grass seed if
necessary. Follow-up work will be necessary each summer for several years to ensure new weeds don’t set
seed. Killing many of the weeds may require little skill but spraying core areas of the former privet patch
with metsulfuron methyl may be most efficient. Mulching should be avoided since rotted mulch provides a
better environment for weeds than natives.
3. Cut and poison large woody weeds and hand pull scattered seedlings
There are many large woody weeds below the road and near the track and scattered elsewhere in this
Zone. Seedlings will appear particularly where large plants were previously removed. Little skill is needed
to control seedlings, however Cotoneaster and Pistacia are more efficiently poisoned with metsulfuron
methyl.
Figure 12: Aerial map of Mt Mutton showing Zone A and Zone B.
Bush Regeneration Priorities for Zone B
Work should be done concurrently with ongoing work in Zone A when initial stages of equivalent work in
Zone A are well under way. For example, action 5 can be done whenever resources are available so long as
this does not conflict with achieving higher priorities; action 6 could be started as soon as the first phase
of action 3 is completed. Controlling woody weeds from Zone A is a higher priority than completing
removal of woody weeds in Zone B. Bush regeneration should focus from the west to the east side of the
slope. This will ensure that connectivity to the better bush areas is re-instated as quickly as possible.
1. Maintain and regenerate existing native ground cover
Enable diverse native ground cover to replace ground weeds in areas free of woody weeds by applying
regular work in and around the ‘privet patch’ and nearby honeysuckle patches where work started in 2011
and 2012. Assist the establishment of native ground cover on steep, erodible slopes close to the road
around the top of the Mount including areas with weed mat or Tradescantia or above dense woody
weeds. Maintain and regenerate existing native ground cover and help it to regenerate and replace
weeds. The main weeds to be controlled and priorities are listed in Tables 2 and 3 above. They include a
large scattered patch of St Johns Wort which might best be worked on concurrently with Cotoneaster
removal from that site then over several years. Where exotic grasses like Sweet Vernal Grass are very
common, trialling ways to efficiently enable native grasses and wild flowers to regain ground are needed
including observation in different seasons.
2. Kill or remove pines
Given slope factors, soil condition and structure and the care needed to remove mature pines without
creating undue disturbance to existing native vegetation and weeds (for example by equipment tracks,
dragging of logs or smothering with foliage if it is left lying for many months), site environmental plans and
working closely with contractors is recommend.
Depending on the amount of pine identified for removal during any given stage of works, the role that a
Review of Environmental Factors process has in identifying potential on and off site effects of removal,
should be seriously considered. Please note that some funding bodies will expect an REF as part of the
project planning process.
3. Cut and poison woody weeds
Once Zone A free is free of woody weeds, then start on zone B working on scattered plants and patches
with good native ground cover first (e.g. across the middle of the slope). The densest Cotoneaster and
privet patch can be left until native grass and herbs are established above it in the edge of Zone A. Cut and
poison woody weeds and hand pull or spray seedlings working from areas with the most native grass
towards areas with more weeds. The densest patches should not be removed for one or several years until
native ground cover is growing well in surrounding areas and the follow-up work likely to be needed can
be judged.
Future Bush Regeneration Objectives pine dominated areas 3 and 4
Given the extent, difficulty and cost of clearing and rehabilitating areas dominated by pine, its complete
removal from the environs of Mt Mutton may not be an achievable objective. It is recommended that in
the short term (up to 25 years) efforts focus on creating corridors through pine dominated areas linking
both the creek and the summit and healthy areas of native vegetation. Separate and fully detailed
rehabilitation plans, including REF's and/or site environmental plans, will be required.
Other aims to include in these plans are:
• Reducing the spread of seeds from pines and other environmental weeds into the bushland.
• Controlling Weeds of National Significance and noxious weeds.
• Reducing erosion threats detailed in the “Uralla Creek Sub – Catchment Plan”.
• Increasing value for biodiversity by replacing pines with native trees and under storey in the
riparian zone and at least in a corridor from the creek to the bushland.
• Limiting fire and safety hazards and improve amenity or other values.
The species of pine growing on Mt Mutton has no commercial value, however control of the Pine
infestation is left open to the possibility of other projects, such as a “Biomass Utilisation Project” some
time in the future.
Bush Regeneration teams should keep daily work record sheets to record the type and scope of work
completed. Establishing photo points for each phase of works is a quick, relatively cheap and “low tech”
method to track changes in vegetation condition. In addition, photo monitoring is an activity which can be
used to engage community volunteers. The location of the monitoring points and frequency and timing of
monitoring can be established on a case by case basis with each phase of works. For more technical
information (species lists, diversity, abundance, distribution, structural changes etc.) the authors recommend
that professional vegetation monitoring continues on Mt Mutton. Survey transects, quadrats and points
were established by EcoLogical Australia during the High Country Urban Biodiversity Project. For continuity
it is recommended that the same methodologies are employed. It may be necessary to revise the number
or location of these survey points depending on which Area is of interest. In general however, the
monitoring schedule should include a period of time after cessation of the works. Specific advise regarding
the scope and frequency of monitoring should be sought on an as-needed basis with consideration given
to the budget available for the project.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Pine removal
• Prepare a site rehabilitation and management plan for the dense pines Area 4 and seek resources
to achieve it, perhaps in stages. Limit bushfire hazards particularly from the foliage and small
branches (live or dead) by careful removal if necessary.
Community Education
• Create downloadable leaflet or brochure about Mount Mutton, including description of the plants
found along the track and how weeds can be replaced by regeneration (updatable information
could be included about locations marked by numbered posts).
• Promote the reserve as an example of a local woodland ecosystem for residents and visitors to
enjoy, rather than as a lookout.
Continuity with other environmental assets and projects
• Install signs to link the Mt Mutton Walking Track with Alma Park.
• Continue to manage the road reserve that adjoins the eastern edge of Mt Mutton Reserve as
though it was part of this Reserve, protecting the native groundcover and other native vegetation,
carefully controlling weeds and excluding vehicles.
Maintenance
• Plan and carry out maintenance of the internal road, track, powerline and pipes to minimise
spreading or promoting of weeds or loss of native vegetation.
• Enhancement plantings/sowings of indigenous grasses and herbs in a few localised locations if
native groundcover has been lost and is not recovering after selective weed control (seed or
vegetative propagules will need to be collected in advance).
• Create a corridor of native vegetation connecting the bushland to the riparian ecosystem along
Uralla Creek by removing a strip of pines and planting indigenous trees, shrubs and sowing or
planting ground plants. Stop pines growing back.
• Leave dead native trees standing as they have wildlife habitat values.
• Erect nest boxes designed and located to suit the mammals and birds likely to need artificial
hollows and manage the boxes to stop use by feral birds and bees (volunteers willing to manage
the boxes may need to be found first).
• Identify threats to wildlife such as foxes and pet cats that are able to hunt in the bushland and
plan activities or educational material to reduce these threats.
OTHER RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
• Increase the amount of dead wood on the ground in areas with few logs for wildlife by leaving
trunks of trees or large shrubs if they fall or are felled in Areas 1-3. Remove foliage and small
branches if felled where they could smother native groundcover or increase fire hazards.
• Manage access to protect the bushland and prevent spread of weeds. There are several foot track
across the south-east and south-west sides of the hill created informally by people walking. While
they run along a contour and are unlikely to create erosion issues, unfortunately shrubs have been
cleared along their route. How to prevent these tracks developing is unclear, signage may help.
• Managing feral animals has not been considered in this version of the plan. There is little evidence
of rabbits within the Reserve, though it is assumed that foxes roam Mt Mutton in search of prey.
Domestic cats are also expected roam in search of native animals and birds. Bush Regeneration
teams should watch for signs of rabbit warren development and the presence or increase in
amount of fox scat. Rabbit warrens can be controlled by qualified persons on Council and fox
baiting can be employed if required. Further advice on the most appropriate methods can be
sought in the event that they are required. The damage to native animals caused by domestic cats
can be highlighted as part of a community education campaign.
Any substantial progression in work within the Reserve will require injection of significant levels of
funding. By its nature Council will rely on external funding to support any further substantive work.
However ongoing funding to support the maintenance of works progressed to date and continue to
progress the removal of weeds in core Reserve native vegetation should be allocated on an ongoing basis.
The amount of base funding required year to year will vary depending on the works planned for that
Financial Year, and advice from the Environmental Projects Officer should be sought on an annual basis to
this end. As a guide, Council allocated funds of $ 5, 000 in the 2012 – 2013 Financial Year, and this is
believed to be sufficient for the 2013 – 2014 financial year, assuming that unexpended funds from the
2012 – 2013 Financial Year are rolled over into 2013 – 2014.
PLAN REVIEW
FUNDING TO SUPPORT THIS PLAN
This plan should be reviewed following each phase of works. In reviewing the plan, authors should record:
1. An overview of the works giving the scope, aims and objectives of the completed work program.
This overview should include a brief assessment of the success and failure of that particular program.
2. An assessment of how the works modify current and future priorities.
3. The emergence of any new threatening processes.
4. Sightings of new species (weeds and feral animals along with native plants and animals).
5. Any new monitoring information.
6. Changes not accounted for through the monitoring program.
7. Revise future priorities.
8. Updated maps.
Along with any other relevant information that materially adds to our understanding and ability to
manage the reserve.
Border Rivers- Gwydir Catchment Management Authority (February 2008). Uralla Subcatchment
Management Plan Stage 1. Prepared by Border Rivers- Gwydir Catchment Management Authority
on behalf of Uralla Shire Council.
Border Rivers - Gwydir Catchment Management Authority (February 2010), Uralla Subcatchment
Management Plan Stage #2, Border Rivers – Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, on behalf
of Uralla Shire Council.
Bradley, Joan (2002) Bringing Back The Bush: The Bradley Method of Bush Regeneration. (edited by Joan
Larking, Audrey Lenning & Jean Walker) Reed New Holland, Sydney. First Publ. Landsdown Rigby
1988.
Buchanan, Robin A. (2009) Restoring Natural Areas in Australia. NSW Department of Industry and
Investment, Tocal College Patterson.
Eco Logical Australia (2011) Monitoring and Evaluation of the High Country UrbanBiodiversity - Uralla Shire
Uralla Bush Regeneration Project: M&E Strategy. Prepared for HiCUB Project Steering Committee.
Available from Southern New England Landcare, Armidale, or Uralla Shire Council, Uralla.
Ensbey, R. et.al. (edited by E. vanOosterhout) (2011) Noxious and environmental weed control handbook:
a guide to weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations. 5th edition. NSW
Department of Primary Industries, a part of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional
Infrastructure and Services.
NSW Department of Primary Industries, Weed Legislation, strategy, policy. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
Trémont, R, (2010) Maintaining and Developing the Uralla Subcatchment Management Plan: A Five to Ten-
Year Strategy. Prepared as part of the High Country Urban Biodiversity Project (HiCUB). Southern
New England Landcare, Armidale. (August 2010 draft).
APPENDIX 1: SPECIES LIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS GROWING ON MT MUTTON
Recorded by Lachlan Copeland, Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd, December 2010, during a vegetation survey
REFERENCES
(initial monitoring for a High Country Urban Biodiversity Project funded by NSW Environmental Trust) with
3 additions recorded by Kate Boyd in autumn 2012.
The following list of 196 plant species is arranged alphabetically by species within major growth forms.
Deliberately cultivated species have been excluded. Non-vascular plants like mosses weren’t identified.
Exotic plants (weeds) are denoted with an asterisk.
# Weeds Declared Noxious in this district are marked with a hash.
Trees Acacia filicifolia Fern-leaved Wattle Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple *Cupressus sp Cyperus Pine Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakelys Red Gum Eucalyptus bridgesiana Apple Box Eucalyptus dalrympleana
subsp.heptantha Mountain Gum
Eucalyptus laevopinea Silver-top Stringybark Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Exocarpus cupressiformis Native Cherry *Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet *Pinus pinaster Cluster or Two-finger Pine *Pinus radiata Radiata Pine *Pistacia chinensis Pistacia
Mistletoes Amyema pendulum subsp pendulum Mistletoe Shrubs Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Blackthorn
Cassinia quinquefaria Cough Bush *Cotoneaster sp. Cotoneaster Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cryptandra amara Common Cryptandra Daviesia genistifolia Broom Bitter Pea Daviesia latifolia Hop Bitter Pea Hibbertia riparia Guinea Flower Hovea heterophylla Slender Hovea Indigofera adesmiifolia Australian Indigo # *Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet # *Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet # *Ligustrum vulgare European Privet Melichrus urceolatus Urn Heath Monotoca scoparia A Broom Heath Pimelea curviflora var. divergens Rice Flower Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia Common Rice Flower Pultenaea microphylla Bush Pea *Pyracantha sp. Pyracantha # *Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar # *Rubus anglocandicans Blackberry Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry
Ferns Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace Fern Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Poison Mulga Fern
Climbers/scramblers Billardieria scandens subsp.scandens
Apple-berry
Clematis glycinoides Headache Vine Glycine clandestina Glycine
Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla *Hedera helix English Ivy
*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle *Vicia hirsuta Hairy Vetch *Vicia sativa subsp. nigra Common Vetch
Grasses *Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Austrodanthonia racemosa Slender Wallaby Grass Austrodanthonia sp. Wallaby Grass Austrostipa scabra subsp
scabra Spear Grass
*Avena sp. Wild Oats Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass *Briza maxima Quaking Grass *Briza minor Shivery Grass *Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass Cynodon dactylon Common Couch *Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Dichelachne ? rara a Plume-grass Dichelachne crinita Longhair Plume-grass Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plume-grass Echinopogon caespitosus var.
caespitosus Hedgehog Grass
Echinopogon ovatus Hedgehog Grass *Eleusine tristachya Goose Grass Elymus scaber Common Wheatgrass # *Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass *Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue *Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Lachnagrostis filiformis Blown Grass *Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass Microlaena stipoides var.
stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass
*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum *Phalaris aquatica Phalaris Poa sieberiana Snow Grass *Setaria parviflora Pigeon Grass Sorghum leiocladum Native Sorghum Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass
Miscellaneous herbs Acaeana agnipila Sheep's Burr *Acetosella vulgaris Wood Sorrel Ajuga australis Austral Bugle Alternanthera sp. A Joyweed Ammobium alatum Winged Everlasting Daisy *Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernell *Argemone ochroleuca var. ochroleuca Mexican Poppy *Artemisia verlotiorum Chinese Wormwood Arthropodium sp. Vanilla Lily *Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Asperula conferta Common Woodruff *Bidens subalternans Cobblers Pegs Brachycome sp. Daisy Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lilly Calotis dentex Burr Daisy *Acetosella vulgaris Wood Sorrel Ajuga australis Austral Bugle Alternanthera sp. A Joyweed Ammobium alatum Winged Everlasting Daisy *Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernell *Argemone ochroleuca var. ochroleuca Mexican Poppy *Artemisia verlotiorum Chinese Wormwood Arthropodium sp. Vanilla Lily
*Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Asperula conferta Common Woodruff *Bidens subalternans Cobblers Pegs Brachycome sp. Daisy Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lilly Calotis dentex Burr Daisy Calotis lappulacea Tangled Burrdaisy Carex breviculmis Small Sedge Carex inversa Knob Sedge *Centaurium sp. Centaurium *Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed Chrysocephalum apiculatum Clustered Everlasting *Cirsium vulgare Black Thistle *Conium maculatum Hemlock *Conyza bonariensis Flax-leaf Fleabane Craspedia variabilis Billy Buttons Crassula colorata Stonecrop Crassula sieberiana Rock Stonecrop *Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawksbeards *Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bear's Ear Cynoglossum australe Hound's Tongue *Daucus carota Wild Carot Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil Dianella longifolia Flax Lilly Dianella revoluta var. revoluta Flax Lilly *Dianthus armeria Deptford Pink Dichondra sp.A Kidney Weed Dichopogon fimbriatus Nodding Chocolate Lily Einadia nutans Saloop Epilobium billardierianum subsp.
cinereum Willow Herb
Euchiton sphaericus Native Cudweed *Fumaria sp. Fumaria *Galium aparine Cleavers Galium ciliare Small Bedstraw *Gamochaeta spicata * Spiked Cudweed Gastrodia sesamoides Cinnamon Bells Orchid Geranium solanderi var. solanderi Native Geranium Haloragis heterophylla Variable Raspwort Hybanthus monopetalus Slender Violet-Bush Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort Hypericum gramineum Native St. John's Wort # *Hypericum perforatum St. John's Wort *Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Catsear *Hypochaeris radicata Catsear *Juncus bufonius Toad-rush *Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce *Lepidium bonariense Argentine Peppercress Lepidosperma laterale Sword Sedge Leptorhynchos squamatus subsp.
squamatus Scaly Buttons
Lespedeza juncea subsp. sericea Chinese Lespedeza Linum marginale Settlers Flax Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Lotus australis Australian Trefoil Luzula sp. Wood-rush
*Lychnis coronaria Rose Campion *Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic *Melilotus indicus Hexham Scent Mentha satureoides s.l. Pennyroyal Microtis parviflora Slender Onion Orchid Murdannia graminea Grass Lily Oxalis perennans Soursob *Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Witlow Wort *Petrorhagia nanteuillii Proliferous Pink Phyllanthus virgatus Twiggy Spurge Plantago gaudichaudii Native Plantain *Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongue Podolepis jaceoides Showy Copper-wire Daisy *Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Poranthera microphylla Poranthera Ranunculus lappaceus Common Buttercup *Richardia stellaris Richardia Rumex brownii Swamp Dock *Rumex crispus Curled Dock Schoenus apogon Bog Rush Scleranthus biflorus Knawel Scutellaria humilus Dwarf Skullcaps Senecio diaschides Native Fireweed Senecio hispidulus var. dissectus Hill Fireweed Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed *Silene gallica var. gallica French Catchfly *Silene gallica var. quinquevulnera Spotted Catchfly *Sisymbrium sp. Wild Turnip *Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade *Soliva sessilis Bindi *Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens Prickly Sowthistle *Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle *Spergularia rubra Red Sand Spurrey Stackhousia monogyna Creamy Candles *Taraxacum officinale Dandelion *Tradescantia fluminensis Tradescantia *Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Tricoryne elatior Yellow Wire-lily *Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover *Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover *Trifolium campestre Hop Clover *Trifolium dubium Yellow Suckling Clover *Trifolium glomeratum Clustered Clover *Trifolium repens White Clover Velleia paradoxa Spur Velleia *Verbascum virgatum Twiggy Mullein *Verbena bonariensis Purpletop *Vicia sativa Common Vetch Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed
APPENDIX 2: WEED CONTROL RESOURCES
Table 4: Weed control methods
WEED SPECIES CONTROL METHOD SEASON
HIGH PRIORITY
WEEDS
St Johns Wort Spray (Starane
Advanced)
January – March
(best before seed
sets)
Woody Weeds
Cotoneaster
Privet
Cut and Paint
Cut and Paint
Hand weed
Cut and Paint
Spring – Autumn
Cut and Paint –
Spring/ Summer
Hand weed – All year
All year
African Love Grass Hand weed, cut and
bag seed heads
All year
MEDIUM PRIORITY
WEEDS
Fleabane and Spear Thistle Hand weed, cut and
bag seed heads
Spring - Autumn
Honeysuckle Spray
Hand weed
Spring – Autumn
All year
English Ivy Spray
Hand weed
Spring – Autumn
All year
Pines Frill or Ring Bark Autumn – Winter
LOW PRIORITY
WEEDS
Chinese Wormwood Slash, spray (dicamba) Slash mid – Summer,
spray regrowth in
Autumn
Tradescantia Roll up by hand.
Remove all mass from
site
All year
APPENDIX 3: EXAMPLE SEASONAL WORK PLAN
Actual plans will depend on:
• The amount and duration of funding available.
• Skills and time of paid and volunteer workers.
• Results in areas of previous work: how natives and weeds there responded to work and
weather.
• How weeds in the next priority areas or elsewhere in the reserve are growing.
Years 2 - 4: 2012- 2014: Continue working on Areas 1 and 2 mostly from best to worst
January – March
• Monitor weed removal efforts of previous year throughout Area 1 and 2.
• Control St Johns’ Wort in Area 1 and northern part of Area 2, stop seeding in southern part.
• Control vines (Honeysuckle, English Ivy, Tradescantia).
• Cut and paint Pistacia, Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, handweed saplings, completing Priority Zone A first,
then start on best condition parts of Zone B.
• Re-treat any woody weeds re-growing where previously treated and handweed seedlings (if very dense
& no native herbs present spray metsulfuron methyl).
• Hand weed priority exotic grasses or spot-spray if natives can be avoided or paint herbicide on if
necessary in Area 1 first then rest of Zone A working from sparse towards dense weeds gradually as
natives grow back. Prevent untreated plants setting seed (cut and bag seed heads). In bad patches
control minor herbaceous and grassy weeds concurrently to ensure they don’t seed and take over.
• Hand weed Spear Thistle minimising area disturbed or spot-spray centres and prevent seeding along
path and in other disturbed areas then throughout Zone A if time permits.
• Slash Chinese Wormwood (January).
• Water plantings above privet patch if a dry season.
April – August
• Cut and paint Privet and Firethorn throughout Zone A then best condition parts of Zone B.
• Control vines (Honeysuckle, English Ivy, edges of Tradescantia patch) by hand weeding runners. Spray
centre with selective herbicide if necessary and only when actively growing.
• Spot spray regrowth of Chinese Wormwood with Kamba 500 (April – May).
• Hand weed exotic grasses as above.
• Hand weed Cotoneaster and Privet seedlings.
• Control Pines.
September – December
• Cut and paint, hand weed woody weeds throughout Area 2 and 1.
• Hand weed exotic grasses (cut and bag seed heads) throughout Area 2 and 1.
• Hand weed Fleabane and Spear Thistle (cut and bag seed heads) throughout Area 2 and 1.
• Hand weed around planting Area at top of Mount. If native grass sown in weedmat slits does not grow
sow more, or plant grasses and local herbs, & water.