The Blackheath Golf Club is currently undertaking the development of new holes to enhance the appeal of the course. This includes the removal of 46 mature native trees and substantial earth works. The course straddles Govetts Leap Brook which flows into the National Park then over Govetts Leap and into the World Heritage Area. UpstreamContinue reading “Redevelopment at Blackheath Golf Course”
Author Archives: GLCG
BMCC Weed Management Strategy
Blue Mountains City Council has adopted a new Weed Management Strategy at its March 2026 meeting, setting a clear and coordinated direction to tackle one of the region’s most significant environmental challenges. Govetts Leap Catchment Group made a lengthy and detailed submission to the draft strategy during the 28 day public exhibition. “Weeds are oneContinue reading “BMCC Weed Management Strategy”
Lost Golf Balls – The Environmental Cost
Some of you may have seen us at the October ConSoc Plant Stall at Blackheath Markets, arresting the queued plant buyers with a question, “How many balls do you think we have collected?”
Yellow Flowers
There are lots of yellow flowers around at the moment. Daffodils, forsythia and many wattle species. But some of the yellow flowers are Weeds of National Significance: broom and gorse. You can see these in flower along the highway and railway. Both of these are prolific seeders and the seeds can still germinate after decades.Continue reading “Yellow Flowers”
Striking Blue Invaders
This letter appeared in Letters to the Editor in the Blue Mountains Gazette Wednesday 14 February 2024. The title on the page was Agapanthus and airport flight paths. It is hard not to notice all the Agapanthus in bloom in the Mountains now. The striking blue, purple or white flowers seem to be everywhere. HoweverContinue reading “Striking Blue Invaders”
It’s time to deadhead your Agapanthus!
This year agapanthus started flowering early and it is going to seed early. It is an invasive weed which can take over bushland. It is very common in gardens and the borders of natural areas in Blackheath and spreads readily from seed. To reduce its spread use secateurs to cut off the flower heads atContinue reading “It’s time to deadhead your Agapanthus!”
Weed: Buddleja
Did you know this is a weed? Buddleja is an invasive weed that can take over bushland. It is increasingly common in gardens and the borders of natural areas in Blackheath, especially along the highway. It spreads readily from seed. It can also have white flowers. If you see it in your garden, please pullContinue reading “Weed: Buddleja”
The People v Weeds @ Blackheath Golf Course
Weeds are an ever-present issue in the Blue Mountains. There is a history of planting exotic species that are incompatible with the fragile natural ecosystems that nestle against our houses. The Black Summer bushfires, floods and Covid created a ‘perfect storm’ for weeds. Seed beds that were previously thought controlled were revealed by fire andContinue reading “The People v Weeds @ Blackheath Golf Course”
Year in Review – 2023
Govetts Leap Catchment Group has had a successful first year. Highlights include:
Weed: Spanish/ Portuguese Heath
Did you know this is a weed? Spanish Heath is a local priority weed which can take over bushland. It grows in poor soil and displaces native plants. In our Bushcare activities we are finding it on the creek-lines which flow into the Grose Valley. It spreads readily from seed dispersed by wind, water andContinue reading “Weed: Spanish/ Portuguese Heath”