The Bendigo Conservancy is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help tackle invasive alien plants threatening the Bendigo Nature Reserve.

A volunteer clearing day will take place on Sunday, July 26, from 14:00 to 17:00, as part of the conservancy’s ongoing efforts to remove invasive species, including the destructive Barbados gooseberry (pereskia aculeata), which has become a major threat to the reserve’s indigenous vegetation.

Wear suitable protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gumboots or sturdy closed shoes, and strong gardening or leather welding gloves to protect yourself from the plant’s long, sharp thorns.

Volunteers are also asked to bring their own sharp secateurs and/or loppers, as well as refreshments for the afternoon.

The conservancy estimates that only about a quarter of the infestation has been cleared despite years of dedicated effort. The invasive cactus smothers indigenous vegetation and can become so heavy that it causes mature trees to collapse.

Anyone wishing to take part can contact Joan on 083-266-7953 or Dee on 071-866-2129 for more information.

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