Bold Park

Science will be in action today at Bold Park🔥🔬

The Kings Park Science team is conducting a research burn at a 3-hectare site in Bold Park today as part of a decade-long investigation into balancing fire and w**d management in urban bushlands.

This carefully planned research burn, of low intensity and low flame height, has been delayed over the past four years while the team waited for suitable weather conditions, highlighting the complexity required for fire management and research in an urban environment.

During the burn, researchers will collect temperature data using thermal sensing fibre-optic cables to monitor how heat radiates down into the soil. This data helps the team better understand how fire influences seed survival, w**d seedbank reduction, and the recovery of native plants.

Fire plays an important role in Australian ecosystems, but it can also create opportunities for invasive w**ds to spread, especially in urban bushland. Unmanaged w**ds compete with native flora and increase fuel loads, posing threats to both people and biodiversity conservation.

This long-term research is helping the team better understand how fire and post-fire w**d management can work together to mitigate bushfire risk and support healthy and biodiverse urban bushland. Current findings show that timely w**d management following fire is crucial to suppress invasive plants and support native plant regeneration. Ongoing monitoring will help guide evidence-based management of urban bushland across Western Australia.

Thank you to all the staff from the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services who will be on the site during the burn to safely manage the project and their invaluable contribution to this important research.

Image description: Researcher collecting soil temperature data during 2016 research burn at Bold Park; Kings Park staff controlling the 2016 burn boundary.

Photo credit: R Miller

Join the Friends of Bold Park Bushland volunteer guides on a free 1.5 hour guided walk exploring the flora and fauna of the bushland as it cools down in the evening 👣

Meet your guide at the WA Ecology Centre carpark and don't forget your torch! Bookings are not required.

🌿 6.30pm, Thursday 22 January
🌿 6.30pm, Tuesday 27 January
🌿 6pm, Thursday 19 February
🌿 6pm, Tuesday 24 February

Find out more 👉

Summer sunset walks (Bold Park) | Kings Park Breadcrumb Home Bold Park What's on Summer sunset walks (Bold Park) Summer sunset walks (Bold Park) Various dates January - March 2025 Cancelled if a total fire ban or severe weather warning is in place Join the Friends of Bold Park Bushland volunteer guides on a walk exploring the bushland in summe...

The 2026 Westbridge Funds Road National Championships are this week! 🚴 🎉

Road closures around Bold Park will be in place from 7.30am - 7pm on Wednesday 7 January, and 7.30am - 4.30pm on Thursday 8 January. View the full list of road closures on the Westbridge Funds Road Nationals website 👉 https://roadnationals.org.au/the-event/road-closures

We encourage all visitors and spectators to choose public transport for a stress-free travel option. Visit the Transperth website to plan your journey.

Let's ride! 🏆