Hopes pinned on new attack spray

Barberry busting - James Delaney and John Williamson.

Professional animal trainers James Delaney and Caroline Girdlestone are used to getting critters to do what they want, but controlling invasive barberry on their Kapiti block is proving a tougher challenge.

The prickly pervasive weed has grown to four metres in height in places, and is the one weed species that James and Caroline are still struggling with after two decades of busting weeds on their property east of Paraparaumu.

James and Caroline bought the block in 1996 and they got straight into fencing off the bush remnant and dealing with the pests and weeds that had been free ranging for far too long.

"This was an absolute priority for us," James said.

"The weeds were a ticking time bomb, and the bush was on the brink of collapse because of them."

In 2001 James and Caroline protected the bush area with a covenant through QEII National Trust.

Over the years, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Kapiti Coast District Council have supported James and Caroline with funding for their weedbusting efforts.

While most other weeds are now under control, the barberry has proved to be the toughest challenge.

It is difficult to control using manual methods or the traditional 'cut and paste' approach because its dense growth habit and sharp thorns makes it hard to reach the trunks with handtools.

With support from the QEII Community Weedbusting Project, James and Caroline will be trying something new on the barberry - basal control, where a specially formulated spray can be applied to the trunks without the operator having to get up close and personal with prickly stems and foliage.

"I have high hopes for this control method, and if its successful it will mean much less labour and a less painful way to get the barberry under control," James said.

QEII regional representative John Williamson said weeds like barberry are a community issue and dealing with them protects surrounding properties.

"As well as protecting the biodiversity values of James and Caroline's bush remnant, controlling this barberry will get rid of a prolific seed source that is spread by birds to other areas," John said.

QEII Community Weedbusting Project spokesman Mike Urlich, who organised the $1000 grant for the basal spray for this weedbusting work, agrees.

"James and Caroline's efforts not only enhance the natural and visual values of their Kapiti Coast bush remnant, but also help to reduce the impact of the barberry in the surrounding landscape."

James and Caroline hope their efforts will inspire others to help in the battle against the thorny environmental weed.

"If you are lucky enough to have a bush remnant like we do, you need to take care of it," James said.

"We are passionate about the environment and about leaving a good footprint behind.

"We hope our kids will carry on the work that we have started."