More pest plants workshops

A thriving bed of salvinia, one of a number of pest plants that the regional council would like to see the back of.

Pest plant experts are once again preparing to pass on advice regarding how to tackle some of Northland's worst weeds at free workshops in Paparoa, Whangarei, Kerikeri and Cooper's Beach.

This will be the seventh annual round of free Northland Regional Council three-hour workshops, which will be hosted by pest plant specialist Sara Brill in July.

Cr Joce Yeoman said the council typically held two workshops at each venue, based on demand, which varied from year to year.

Up to 200 people were expected to take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to better manage both land and freshwater weeds, on their own land or properties they managed for others.

"If you've ever wondered which weed is which, why weeds wander and what we can do about it, come along to one of our informative, fun, free workshops," she said.

Ms Brill described the workshops as "a fantastic way to get up close and personal" with some of Northland's worst weeds.

Participants were often surprised by the fact not all plants were created equal, and that some had a lot to answer for in terms of their impact on the environment.

The workshops would be hands-on, but delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people learn how best to tackle more than 20 pest plants, including wild ginger, lantana and moth plant, as well as highlighting the need to report freshwater weeds like salvinia and water hyacinth.

Each would include a short presentation, hands-on identification tips and information on control options, including chemicals and other methods.

The Far North dates and venues are Tuesday July 25 (St John Ambulance hall in Kerikeri Road) and Wednesday July 26 (St John hall, Cooper's Beach). Two separate three-hour workshops will be held at each venue, 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm, with numbers limited to about 30 at each.

To register, or for further information, contact Sara Brill (sarab@nrc.govt.nz, phone (09) 470-1162.

General information on pests, plant and animal, can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/pestcontrolhub