Nature Foundation is proud to have partnered with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) to participate in the national WeedRemeed™ project, utilising drones to capture images of native plant and weed species. The technology then uses advanced colour picking - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify and locate important native plants and weed species.

Our Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve, located in southeast South Australia, 20km inland from Kingston SE, was selected as one of the multiple trial sites nationally to  trial the WeedRemeed™ software. This software, a cutting-edge tool in conservation, is designed to detect target flora species in the field using colour-picking technology, and machine learning. Its development is a significant step towards a cost-effective, national solution for large-scale weed management.

 
Our Nature Foundation Reserve Management team members, Kelsey Bennett and Jem Shimmield, accompanied CISS Project Lead Baxter Massey (above) to Bullock Bridge in late May. Together, they set up ten 5 x 5 metre test plots across the 203-hectare reserve, targeting Coastal Wattle (Acacia sophorae), an invasive native species present at the reserve.
 
Ground truthing surveys were then completed at each plot, recording the vegetation composition and presence of the target species. Drone surveys using a quadcopter were then completed across each plot by Chris Warrior from Wiru Drone Solutions. These surveys tested the software’s detectability success in a range of different habitat types, varying canopy cover and growth stages. The drone capture and ground truthing results have been provided to the WeedRemeed™ software developer for processing and analysis using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology.
 
It was a valuable exercise for all involved. Chris Warrior from Wiru Drone Solutions enjoyed learning about the local flora, and the Nature Foundation team gained insights into the opportunities and value of drone use for aerial surveys. We learned about the challenges and benefits of using drones in different habitat types, the importance of ground-truthing, and the potential of the WeedRemeed™ software in large-scale weed detection.
 
We are pleased to be involved in this valuable, practical research, which will significantly support conservation actions nationally. We look forward to seeing how this innovative technology solution progresses.
 
Learn more about the WeedRemeed™ project here.