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 1999 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.

  • Stratford Road, Meerlieu
  • Bush Family Reserve is open by appointment only. contact Trust for Nature on 1800 99 99 33.
  • If you visit a reserve that is open to the public; please leave pets at home.
  • All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of extreme or catastrophic 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 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 (Commersonia 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 species include the vulnerable Green and Golden Bell Frog, endangered Woolly Waterlily, and Latham’s Snipe.

This site was previously used for grazing and timber harvesting.

Since the purchase of this property in 1999, the management activities undertaken include weed control, feral animal control, ecological thinning and Burgan (Kunzea ericoides) removal.

No amenities on site.

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

Explore Bush Family Reserve

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 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 (Commersonia 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 species include the vulnerable Green and Golden Bell Frog, endangered Woolly Waterlily, and Latham’s Snipe.

This site was previously used for grazing and timber harvesting.

Since the purchase of this property in 1999, the management activities undertaken include weed control, feral animal control, ecological thinning and Burgan (Kunzea ericoides) removal.

No amenities on site.

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