Fighting the Vine: How Invasive Weed Control is Bringing Life Back to Hunter Wetlands

At the Hunter Wetlands Centre, nature is fighting back—and it's winning. Thanks to a grant through Newcastle City Council's, we completed a comprehensive bush regeneration project focused on invasive vine control. The Wetlands are not only looking greener, they’re also becoming a safer haven for our much loved Egrets and, forthe first time in memory, the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.

Battling a Green Invader: The Madeira Vine

The most aggressive of our enemies was the Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia), a fast-growing invasive weed that strangles native vegetation, out competing it for light and space. This vine is particularly problematic due to its prolific tubers that fall to the ground and sprout new growth even after treatment.

Funding from Newcastle City Council, as part of the their 2024 Environment Grant program meant we were able to contract a team of professional bush regenerators to help tackle the infestation.

More Than Just Madeira

In addition to the Madeira vine, other problem plants like Morning Glory, Moth Vine, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Balloon Vine were treated, each vine species requiring a tailored approach to ensure maximum efficacy while minimising harm to native flora and fauna.

Over 335 hours of work went into this effort, with primary treatments carried out in Spring, followed by Summer and Autumn follow-ups. The results? An estimated 85% reduction in weed cover across thetreated zones—a massive win for the local ecosystem.

A Win for Wildlife

Importantly, this work was timed around thenesting season of the Egrets a key species that relies on the wetlands for breeding. Invasive vines had choked much of the canopy, making it unsuitable for nesting. The pre-nesting vine treatment ensured these birds could safelyraise their young, and the extended nesting season was carefully respected with no active treatment during the most sensitive periods.

But the real surprise came after the regeneration efforts: a sighting of the Regent Honeyeater - one of Australia’s rarest birds and a species that has rarely been recorded in the Newcastle LGA if ever. This incredible event underscores the broader impact ofhabitat restoration. By restoring native vegetation and clearing aggressivevines, we’ve not only created more resilient ecosystems but also attracted a bird that’s on the brink of extinction.

‍

Why This Work Matters

Invasive vine treatment may not sound glamorous, but it’s absolutely vital to protecting biodiversity. Left unchecked, these weeds can erase decades of native habitat growth. At the Hunter Wetlands Centre, our ongoing efforts are restoring balance, encouraging native plant regeneration, and providing a lifeline for native and threatened species.

Our work isn’t done. Regular monitoring andmonthly sweeps will be critical in preventing re-infestation. But with each treatment, we’re one step closer to a healthier, more vibrant Wetlands.

Visit, Volunteer, Support

The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a Ramsar-listed site and a community-led conservation success story. Every hour of restoration work, every weed pulled, and every species sighted is thanks to our passionate volunteers and supporters. Whether you're looking to volunteer, visit, or donate, your support helps us protect this remarkable landscape for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on our bush regeneration program and wildlife sightings. Together, we’re reclaiming the wetlands—one vine at a time

‍