A list of noxious plants found on Long Reef was prepared in 1985 and contained only 18 species. Over the years an increasing number of plants especially introduced exotic grasses have been added to the list. In the Warringah area 42 weeds are now declared noxious under the Noxious weed Act 1993 and many more are listed as environmental weeds, many of which are now found in the Long Reef area.
The invasion of weeds may not lead to the extinction of indigenous plants, but they do substantially change the structure of plant communities.A detailed management plan for weed removal and control has been researched and documented by council. Refer Warringah Council's - Vegetation on Costal Headlands report 1999. Native grasses and shrubs are effected by dieback due to Kikuyu weed (left) invasion. It's dense matting reduces light to the native plants resulting in dieback which effects the available of nesting sites and shelter for local native birds.
Bitou (below left) has been our major threat on the headland, but slowly it is coming under control in some areas. Continual work by volunteers to remove Bitou seedlings will see more removal of Bitou and the thickening of the native Themeda Grasslands. The Warringah Council regularly spray each winter Bitou found growing behind Long Reef beach. The council also conducts regular programs for the eradication of rabbits and foxes. Wild Watsonia (right) and Morning Glory (below right) are two more weeds that have caused problems at Long Reef.