Statewide education and planning to support Tasmania’s February 2025 declaration of foxglove (Digitalis spp., non-sterile) as a pest species - building capacity, aligning best-practice control, and coordinating partners.

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF), launched in 2018 by the Tasmanian Government, supports coordinated action to reduce the impact of priority weeds on Tasmania’s agricultural and environmental assets. Through partnerships with farmers, land managers and community organisations, WAF promotes a shared-responsibility approach to achieve sustainable weed management and protect Tasmania’s biosecurity.

Enviro-dynamics, working with the Derwent Catchment Project and the Landscape Recovery Foundation, has received support under WAF Stage 3 to deliver the Foxgloves WAF project. This initiative takes a strategic, statewide approach to lifting identification, planning and best-practice control of foxglove (Digitalis spp.) across priority landscapes.

Expected outcomes include improved capacity to identify and manage foxglove, better targeting of on-ground works, reduced risk of spread from source infestations, and stronger collaboration between landholders, councils, utilities and community groups.

Foxglove pose a significant threat to production and natural assets. While control is occurring in many places, consistent guidance, planning tools and coordinated messaging are needed to help landholders and managers prioritise action and reduce spread at source. The project builds on previous WAF-funded efforts and local initiatives by focusing on strategic planning, education and on-ground readiness.

Foxglove infestation being strayed by environmental officer in full protection

Over the life of the project we will:

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Develop and publish clear, Tasmanian-specific best practice guidelines for safe, effective foxglove management, aligned with NRE Tasmania messaging and the Biosecurity Act.
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Provide practical planning tools including a foxglove Weed Management Plan template to support property-level decision-making and consistent follow-up.
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Deliver regional workshops and awareness activities to improve identification, hygiene and timing of control.
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Coordinate with councils, utilities and landholders to verify distribution, prioritise high-risk sites, and encourage collaborative action.
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Share accessible resources (webpage, short video, printable poster and brochure) to support adoption and ongoing learning.