What is Bush Regeneration?

Bush regeneration is an ecological technique, or set of techniques practised in Australia to restore areas of remnant bushland that have been degraded and have reduced biodiversity due to impacts including weed invasion and soil erosion. 

While the term bush regeneration often refers to the technique of allowing natural regeneration to take place rather than by restoring native vegetation by planting, it may also be used to refer to a much broader set of techniques used to restore natural areas. 

The concept of bush regeneration in its purest sense is that by starting with the least degraded bushland areas, weeds can be removed from small areas at a time to allow natural germination of native species.  This way, the plants most suitable for the site re-establish themselves and ecological balance is restored by a natural and gradual process.  Weed removal that creates minimal disturbance to the natural system is favoured, and follow up weeding is needed over a number of years to maintain the area.  Click here to visit Wetlandcare Australia's Bush Regeneration fact sheet for further information on bush regeneration techniques.

The Bradley Method

Bush regeneration was first developed in Sydney during the 1960?s by the Bradley sisters who meticulously studied the impact of their weed removal techniques on remnant bushland.  They subsequently detailed a very specific method in their book, "Bringing Back the Bush.  The Bradley Method of Bush Regeneration", published in 1988.

The three necessary principles for undertaking bush regeneration as outlined in the book are:

o Always work from good to bad areas.
o Disturb the soil as little as possible and restore it to its natural condition.
o Allow the rate of regeneration to dictate the rate of clearing.

Click here to read an Australian Native Plants Society article about the development and principles of the Bradley method.

Restoring Natural Areas

While the Bradley method is the foundation of bush regeneration, the practice of bush regeneration has developed and diversified and those who work in this field incorporate other principles and practices to restore natural areas and will often include planting.  Click here to view a Greening Australia fact sheet on bush regeneration that outlines a wide range of natural area restoration techniques.

Getting Involved

Bushland regeneration techniques are often used by community Landcare and Bushcare groups in conjunction with planting native species.  Bushland regeneration contractors are often employed by local councils and other landholders to restore natural areas.  To find out more about how to get involved in bush regeneration projects with an active Landcare group see Local Groups or with Wollongong City Council Bushcare see Wollongong . 

For more detailed information, resources and contacts regarding bush regeneration click here to visit the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) website.