Keeping the Bathurst bur out of our backyard: Quick info about regional pests
Bathurst bur (Xanthium spinosum) is actually from South America and accidentally made its way to Australia in the early 1800s where it got its name. From there it crossed the pond where it now contaminates wool, breaks shearing combs, cause skin irritations and dermatitis, and poisons stock – a true nasty!
With fifteen active control sites in the Wairarapa, some farms have thousands of plants on them! However, the plant is still relatively rare in the Wellington region and we plan to keep it that way.
Our pest plants team work hard on the fifteen sites to minimise the impact of this pest on people and livestock.
So if you see a plant with hundreds of straw-coloured burs, each 1.0–1.5 cm long, with many yellow hooked spines you’ve probably got Bathurst bur and our team wants to know about it and they’ll control it for free – to put those Aussies in their place!
Contact pest.plants@gw.govt.nz if you think you've seen it.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
28.6% With a city-wide public fireworks display
-
19.7% Small fireworks displays in each community
-
8.1% Keep it as is
-
32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
-
10.4% Anything but fireworks
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
International Volunteer Managers Day
Yesterday marked International Volunteer Managers Day. So throughout this week we will be spotlighting several amazing volunteer managers from across the Wellington region.
Liv has recently started managing a diverse team of volunteers at The Free Store Wellington. Here are some words about what she loves about her role!
Loading…
