Our mission is to protect and restore biodiversity on private land across Victoria
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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:
