Who we are

Wildcare SPRATS (Sea Spurge Remote Area TeamS) formed in early 2007 as part of the Tasmanian Beach Weeds Strategy. SPRATS aims to manage sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) along the southwest and southern coastlines of Tasmania—some 600 kilometres of coast from Macquarie Harbour south of Strahan, to Cockle Creek south of Hobart. SPRATS comprise an organising committee and importantly, returning and new volunteers, who each year dedicate their time and remote area bushwalking experience to contribute to protecting coastal environments from invasive weeds.

Where we work

Teams of 5 visit sections of the coast between Macquarie Harbour & Cockle Creek in November & January each year to find & remove coastal weeds to restore coastal ecosystems & habitats. Be prepared for adventure in remote environments if you join this group of hardy Wildcarers!

What we do

Sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) is a small leafy shrub originally from Europe and now found across southern Australia. Sea spurge together with marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) colonise sand and cobble beaches and may spread inland across dune systems, transforming dune geomorphology and associated ecosystems. Along the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) coastlines, these species threaten coastal landforms, Aboriginal sites, coastal herbfields, grasslands and shrublands, as well as habitats for rare and threatened shorebird species such as the little tern, fairy tern, hooded plover, red-capped plover, pied oyster catcher and orange bellied parrot. Since 2007, SPRATS teams have visited sections of the coast between Macquarie Harbour & Cockle Creek in November & January each year to find & remove coastal weeds in known sites and new locations, to restore coastal ecosystems & habitats.

Partnerships and funding
SPRATS is extremely grateful for the support provided by WildCare and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

How is SPRATS organised?
SPRATS comprise an organising committee and returning and new volunteer participants. SPRATS operate each year under an annual plan which aligns with objectives in the SPRATS ten-year strategy. Each year, teams collect weeding data (number and size of plants, species, location, weeding effort etc.) which informs future program planning. The SPRATS organising committee holds an AGM in May each year, with attendance open to all interested parties.

Can I get involved?
Yes! Wildcare SPRATS have opportunities for both organizers and weeders. If you are an experienced, self-reliant bushwalker or base camper seeking to explore remote coastal areas, and give back to the environment, this is for you! There are opportunities for participants with a variety of fitness and experience levels. Please sign up to the Wildcare SPRATS mailing list and look out for the call for Expressions of Interest for the seasonal program, and submit your EOI before the submission closing date for the season (the date varies from year to year).

SPRATS are currently seeking new organising committee members. SPRATS organising committee comprise a range of leadership and organizing roles that include membership coordination, documentation, data management, reporting, partnership liaison, operations and equipment coordination. If you have experience in liaising with external partners to develop and deliver operational plans, and/or in coordinating volunteer or other environmental programs and would like to contribute to remote area conservation in Tasmania, please contact SPRATS for more information.

Contact

Email: sprats.tas@gmail.com