The Derwent Catchment Project (DCP) is making significant progress in removing the invasive boxthorn from the foreshore at Bridgewater and Old Beach to protect natural and cultural values.

African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), is an extremely thorny shrub that can grow up to four metres tall. It has long posed a challenge to the local community and environment. Thorn-covered branches pose risks to people and pets, creating physical barriers to access. The thorns make it less attractive to browsing animals and the orange berries are eaten and dispersed by birds, helping this weed spread far and wide.

The removal of boxthorn is crucial to protect the natural environment, as it displaces native vegetation and offers shelter to pest species like rabbits. Due to the plant’s dangerous thorns, specialised contractors with the necessary tools and expertise are handling its removal. The DCP’s work is especially sensitive in Brighton’s foreshore areas, where they are taking care to avoid disturbance to threatened plant species and culturally significant Aboriginal sites, using detailed mapping to guide their efforts.

A big shout out to Nathan from Greenhill Pools and Landscaping, and Dave from Boyer Road for their help in tackling the boxthorn.

This initiative has been a great community effort. It is part of a broader collaborative effort to implement the Brighton Foreshore Management Plan, supporting the work being done by Bridgewater and Old Beach Landcare Groups, Brighton Council, Your Town and Taswater.

The successful removal of this invasive species is a win for the local community, emphasising the importance of working together to safeguard both the environment and cultural heritage.