Trust for Nature (Victoria)

Gippsland

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Friars Reserve

Dwarf kerrawang

Friars Reserve

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

Originally used for grazing and timber harvesting, the property was purchased in 2002 by Trust for Nature with funding from the RE Ross Trust and the National Reserve System. The reserve covers an impressive 193 ha.

Friar reserve is located at Lot 37 Section 3, Roussacs Rd, Meerlieu and features both woodland and wetland habitat areas.

Friars Reserve is open by appointment. Contact Regional Reserve Manager on 0409 530 462 or brettm@tfn.org.au to arrange a visit.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

Image: Dwarf Kerrawang. Source: Andre Messina/Vic Flora CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Explore Friars Reserve

Habitat

The reserve includes patches of nationally endangered Plains Grassy Woodland ecological vegetation community. This is dominated by Gippsland Red Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Banksia species and Bottlebrush species with a ground layer rich in grasses, sedges and lilies. Once covering extensive areas, this ecological community is now heavily fragmented and threatened by introduced grasses that outcompete native species such as Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) and Wallaby Grasses (several Rytidosperma sp.). In the Gippsland Plains bioregion just 13 per cent of this ecological community remains intact, with 89 per cent of this occurring on private land. This reserve makes an important contribution to the conservation of this important vegetation community.

Other ecological vegetation communities found within the reserve are Sedge Wetland, Heathy Woodland and the vulnerable Damp-sands Herb-rich Woodland.

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Wildlife and plants

Friar reserve is home to a diverse range eucalypt trees and tall shrubs such as bottlebrushes, banksias and acacias. In the wetland areas, sedges and herbs dominate. Of particular note is the nationally endangered Dwarf Kerrawang (Rulingia prostrata), a prostrate herb found in ephemeral wetlands.  Threats to this species includes land clearing, grazing, weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes and the drying of wetland areas. Dwarf Kerrawang can be identified by its dark green leaves and the pink flowers which appear in October to November.

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History

Prior to being acquired by the Trust for Nature, grazing and timber harvesting occurred on the property.

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Amenities

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

Friars1

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 and during heavy rainfall periods.

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 include:

  • Falling limbs
  • Uneven surfaces
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Billabong West Reserve

Dwarf kerrawang

Billabong West Reserve

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

Located at 40 Frews Road, Fernbank, west of Bairnsdale, the Billabong West Reserve encompasses 31.15 ha of wetlands and woodlands. The reserve is protecting the national critically endangered Red Gum Grassy Woodland and two vulnerable ecological communities which are the Sedge Wetland and the Plains Lowland Forest. Also present on site is the nationally endangered Dwarf Kerrawang (Commersonia prostrata).

Billabong West Reserve is open by appointment.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

Image: Dwarf Kerrawang. Source: Andre Messina/Vic Flora CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Explore Billabong West Reserve

Habitat

The vegetation on the reserve varies from the well-drained Eucalypt forest of the Lowland Forest ecological vegetation community through to the largely treeless, seasonal Sedge Wetland, dominated by aquatic herbs, sedges and rushes. Between these two communities are poorly drained, fertile and flat Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and the open, bracken-dominated eucalypt forest of the Lowland Forest.

All of these ecological vegetation communities have a species-rich ground layer featuring herbs, grasses and orchids. Notable plants include the endangered Dwarf Kerrawang (Commersonia prostrata) and the rare Dusky Violet (Viola fuscoviolacea), both of which prefer swampy, sedgeland habitats.

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Wildlife and plants

The Billabong West Reserve protects the state threatened Bushy Hedgehog-grass (Echinopogon caespitosus var. caespitosus) and Slender Tick-trefoil (Desmodium varians). Wildflowers are abundant under the Red Gum trees during spring, with species such as Bird Orchids, Twining Fringe-lily, New Holland Daisy and Milkmaids. In winter, under the White Stringybark trees of the Lowland Forest, a range of Greenhood orchids are present including Nodding and Trim Greenhoods.

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History

The Billabong West Reserve was acquired by Trust for Nature in 2002 with funding from the National Reserve System Program and the RE Ross Trust.

Prior to this, the land was used for timber harvesting and grazing of domestic livestock, predominantly sheep and cattle.

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Staying safe

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

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 include:

  • Falling limbs
  • Uneven surfaces
BW2

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Bates-Paisley Park Reserve

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Bates-Paisley Park Reserve

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

Located in Old Paisley Road, Munro, the Bates-Paisley Park Reserve was purchased in 2002 with funding from the National Reserve System. The reserve covers 4.8 ha and protects the critically endangered Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland system.

Bates-Paisley Park Reserve is open by appointment.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

Explore Bates-Paisley Park Reserve

Habitat

The reserve is protecting the critically endangered Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland system. Since colonisation, Grassy Woodlands have been heavily impacted. Red Gum Grassy Woodlands have been severely affected, with less than 5 per cent of their pre-1750 extent remaining. A large proportion is found on private land.

The property is part of the Perry River catchment with vegetated corridors linking to Paisley creek and the Perry River which is part of the Providence Ponds Flora Reserve.

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Wildlife and plants

The reserve is home to a diverse range of orchids, herbs and trees. Of particular note is Coast Grey Box (Eucalyptus bosistoana) and Bushy Hedgehog Grass (Echinopogon caespitosus var. caespitosus). Other important species are the Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana), White Stringybark (Eucalyptus globoidea), Trim Greenhood (Pterostylis concinna), Mosquito Orchids (Acianthus spp), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon).

The reserve protects habitat for a number of fauna species including Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Emus, Sugar Gliders and Antechinus.

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History

The Bates-Paisley Park Reserve was acquired by Trust for Nature in 2002 with funding from the National Reserve System Program.

This site has a previous land use history of domestic livestock grazing and timber harvesting.

Since the purchase of this property in 2002, the management activities undertaken include weed control, revegetation of key understorey shrubs and Burgan (Kunzea ericoides) removal.

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Staying safe

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

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 include:

  • Falling limbs
  • Uneven surfaces
BP2

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Stratford Woodland Reserve

Diuris punctata - Dereel 1-11-2017b

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.

Stratford Woodland Reserve is open by appointment only.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

Dianella amoena

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
Scaly Buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus)

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Bush Family Reserve

swans

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.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

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.

Red gums with sunset

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).

Dwaff Kerrawang

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.

Echidna

Amenities

No amenities on site.

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

Redgum flooding BFR

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 include:

  • Falling limbs
  • Uneven surfaces
Hand full of Pobble Bonks