East Gippsland

16 May 2022 by

Stratford Woodland Reserve

Stratford Woodland Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and
respects the Traditional Owners of
this land, the Gunaikurnai people

This 10 ha property was acquired by Trust for Nature to protect a high quality area of endangered Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland. This community occurs on flat or gently undulating terrain with fertile soil. As a result it has been cleared preferentially for agriculture. Less than 5 per cent of its original extent remains on the Gippsland Plains, with 89 per cent found on private land.

The Stratford Woodland Reserve is located at Lot 2, Briagolong Rd, Stratford, north of Sale.

Bush Family Reserve is open by appointment only.

Explore Stratford Woodland Reserve

Habitat

Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland is dominated by Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis ssp. mediana). The ground layer is rich in grasses and herbs with a sparse shrub layer. Other notable species on this site include Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

The second vegetation community found at Stratford Woodland Reserve is Plains Grassy Woodland / Gilgai Wetland Mosaic. Gilgai wetlands are depressions in clay-based ground surfaces that collect rainfall. These are seasonal wetlands. As they dry out, the surface cracks. Loose soil moves into these cracks, thus pushing out the perimeter of the depression.

Wildlife and plants

Stratford Woodland Reserve is home to a small population of the vulnerable Purple Diuris orchid (Diuris punctata var. punctata). This species flowers in the reserve during October.

A population of the endangered Button Wrinklewort Daisy (Rutidosis leptorhynchoides) has also been introduced to the reserve.

This reserve provides excellent habitat for animals, including the Australian Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus). Their complex networks of tracks can be seen within the Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

History

This reserve was purchased by Trust for Nature in 2008 with funds generously donated from the Australian Plant Society and the naturalist, Flora McDonald. Prior to acquisition the site was used for domestic livestock grazing with both sheep and cattle.

Since acquiring the site, Trust for Nature has managed the property through ecological burning, planting understorey species, weed management and threatened species protection, including an annual survey of the Purple Diuris and Button Wrinklewort Daisy populations.

Amenities

Occasional events take place on the reserve including guided tours, informative talks and Trust for Nature presentations.

NOTE: this reserve is open by APPOINTMENT ONLY, contact Regional Reserve Manager on 0409 530 462 or brettm@tfn.org.au.

Staying safe

Our reserves have hazards that may cause serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

The reserve is closed during days declared as Total Fire Bans and/or where the fire danger rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of venomous snake. During summer it is advised that long trousers and gaiters are worn when walking in the reserve.

Visitors to the reserve are requested to not cross any fence-lines, or venture onto neighbouring private property. All visitors are requested to stay on the marked walking trails.

Other hazards present:

Falling limbs
Uneven surfaces

16 May 2022 by

Bush Family Reserve

Bush Family Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and
respects the Traditional Owners of
this land, the Gunaikurnai people

Located along Stratford Road, Meerlieu, Trust for Nature purchased the Bush Family Reserve in 2002 with funding from the National Reserve System and from RE Ross Foundation. The reserve covers 255 ha and encompasses four ecological vegetation types including six wetland areas.

Bush Family Reserve is open by appointment only.

Explore Bush Family Reserve

Habitat

Vegetation on Bush Family Reserve varies from eucalypt woodlands to seasonally inundated wetlands. These wetlands, known as Sedge Wetlands are largely treeless and are instead dominated by a number of different species of aquatic and semi-aquatic herbs, rushes and sedges.

Other ecological vegetation communities present include Damp Sands Herb-Rich Woodland and Red Gum Grassy Woodland. Both the Damps Sands and Red Gum Woodlands are open woodlands that occur on fertile flat lands. Since colonisation, these landscapes have been heavily impacted. Red Gum Grassy Woodland has especially been severely affected, with only 13% per cent of its pre-1750 extent remaining.

Wildlife and plants

The reserve is home to a range of orchids, herbs and trees. Of particular note is the Nationally Endangered Dwarf Kerrawang (Rulingia prostrata), a prostrate herb found in ephemeral wetlands (pictured). Threats to this species includes land clearing, grazing, weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes and the drying of wetland areas.

Other notable flora species include the Leafy Greenhood (Pterostylis cucullata) and Slender Tick-trefoil (Desmodium varians).

History

This site was previously used for grazing and timber harvesting.

Since the purchase of this property in 2002, the management activities undertaken include weed control, feral animal control, ecological thinning and Burgan (Kunzea ericoides) removal.