Weeds of the Bellarine and surrounds 

Protecting local biodiversity through education, collaboration and community action.

The Bellarine Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most ecologically and culturally important landscapes. Home to rare vegetation communities and threatened species, the region is also under serious threat from invasive plants, or weeds. Since European settlement, over 95% of native vegetation has been cleared, and what remains continues to be impacted by weed spread — from roadsides and gardens into our most precious reserves.

The Weeds of the Bellarine Project is a community-driven response to this growing threat. We're developing a practical, easy-to-carry A6 field guide that will help locals identify and manage the most problematic weeds across the Bellarine, Geelong and Surf Coast. The guide will feature around 60 weed species, with clear photos, identification tips, seasonal control methods, and notes on similar-looking native plants.

We’re working in close collaboration with local volunteer groups, councils, land managers and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the guide reflects both expert knowledge and cultural priorities. The resource will align with the Wadawurrung Healthy Country Plan, recognising the deep connection between weeds, cultural heritage and caring for Country.

In addition to the booklet, we’ll run five free hands-on weed workshops across the region. These sessions will give participants the chance to see, touch and remove weeds in real landscapes — building confidence and practical skills for use at home, in reserves, or in community spaces. To stay up to date with upcoming workshops and other local environmental events, we recommend checking the Bellarine and Geelong Environmental Volunteering Calendar.

We’ll print and distribute 10,000 free copies of the booklet through local volunteer groups, land managers, visitor centres and community events. The guide will sit alongside our existing plant identification booklets and become a long-term resource for those working to protect the Bellarine.

This project is about improving weed literacy, sharing knowledge, and empowering people to take action. With the right tools and community support, we can reduce the spread of invasive species and give our native ecosystems the best chance to thrive.