Class 7
Bush Regeneration
-process of restoring a weed infested patch of bush or otherwise degraded site to a healthy (or near as possible) plant community/ecosystem.
Bradely Method
- a method of bush regeneration primarily developed for high quality areas (though principles can be used for any quality area)
- developed by Joan and Eileen Bradley in the 1960's/70's
- based on 3 principles
Work out from the good areas towards lower quality areas
Minimal disturbance
Do not over-clear, let the bush dictate rate of clearance

They also developed a set of rules to follow when conducting works
Watch your feet - prevent trampling etc.
Disturb soil as little as possible - prevent potential erosion, reduce weed seed germination
Preserve/replace natural mulch
Use weeds as mulch - not possible for all weed species
Do not pile weeds in heaps, hang them on other vegetation
Remove all weed species from an area before moving on
Work with the weather
Do Not remove any plant you can't positively ID
Do not use chemicals (not always possible/cost effective but always think of all options before using as little as possible.

"Weeding a little at a time from the bush towards the weeds takes the pressure of the natives under favourable conditions. Native seeds and spores are ready in the ground, and the natural environment favours the plants that have evolved in it. The balance is tipped back towards regeneration."

Variations on the Bradley Method
Enrichment planting to supplement natural regeneration
Use of non-indigenous natives in grossly disturbed sites
Large scale clearance of weeds - often because they are "unsightly"
Selected use of herbicides
Use of artificial weed/erosion control matting and mulch


Techniques used in restoration
Weed control
Revegetation, including direct seeding
Regeneration techniques to encourage spread of indigenous species
Artificial habitat creation

Weed Control

Weed control is essential before attempting any revegetation or regeneration.
It is a complex area and is dependent upon the weed species present.
It is highly recommended that you do Weed ID and Control, Pest Plant Management and/or Farm Chemical Users Course (essential for herbicide application).

Weed control options include
Manual - hand weeding
Mechanical - slashing, grading, cutting
Chemical - herbicide application
Biological - introduction of other plant/animals to reduce weeds ability to spread, may include grazing
Fire - a complex and potentially hazardous technique which we will discuss in detail later.

Main consideration when controlling weeds is the type of weed. These include
Annual grasses - germinate, grow, flower/seed and die within one year
Perennial grasses/herbaceous - live for more than one year, flower/seed each year
Woody weeds - as for perennial grasses, have strong woody stem/trunks
Geophytes - have underground tubers, only obvious above ground for part of the year
Climber and vines - sometimes treated as separate group as they are often present up in the conopy of trees/shrubs

Other considerations include:
Control options you have available to you
Time of year
Potential for regeneration of indigenous species
Potential for regeneration of weeds
Control of physical disturbance (erosion etc.)
Short term habitat value
Always treat weeds when they are at there most vulnerable
At a minimum try to prevent weeds from spreading and stop new seed from forming