Heroes don’t always wear capes. They are usually amongst us, doing their bit to make this world a better place. You’re probably one of them…!

It seems that each year now, whether due to a dry spring, wet winter, climate change or El Nino, we are warned that conditions are just right for an intense bushfire risk over the coming summer. With this in mind, land managers typically undertake hazard reduction burning during the cooler months to reduce the fuel loads in the bush.  

It’s that time of the year when the gardeners amongst us emerge to tackle neglected green patches. We prune, trim, plant, mow, and clip. And weed. Many of us curse (and relish) removing weeds that have flourished in winter.

Yet, contrary to popular belief, not all weeds are evil. A weed is just a plant growing in a place where it is unwanted. In fact, many of your stubborn garden weeds can have benefits.

Here’s the ‘dirt’ on why many garden-variety weeds can be happily left in the ground, under control. 

Imagine our world devoid of plants and wildlife. This stark picture is enough to sour your coffee (sorry!). Unfortunately, it could be the way we’re headed in Australia, if outcomes from the recent national State of Environment Report are anything to go by.

The report shows that our biodiversity is under increased threat and continues to decline at a rapid rate. The top culprits? Feral species, urban development and habitat fragmentation.

It’s not all bleak however.