About

Bitou bush is a weed from South Africa which causes havoc with our coastlines in south-eastern Australia. It’s a pest because once established it grows quickly and forms dense stands, replacing native plants and destroying the habitat of native animals. It also messes with coastal dune formation resulting in beach and coast erosion. It’s a declared weed of national significance and there are concerted efforts by land managers including NPWS and local councils to remove it from around Sydney. The program involves removal or killing of bitou throughout the area, then ongoing surveillance for outbreaks.

Bitou tries to establish itself on coastlines, and as we know the coast around Sydney contains lots of cliffs which we like to climb on! Because of this, the NPWS is interested in seeing climbers become involved in the bitou bush eradication program. This is a great opportunity for climbers to put back into the areas they climb and demonstrate they care for the cliff environment.