Our mission is to protect and restore biodiversity on private land across Victoria
This 63 ha reserve, located at the corner of Bond Road and Clarkes Creek Road in Merino, not only conserves significant species and ecological communities, but forms an important link to other patches of remnant vegetation.
All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.
Vulnerable Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland ecosystem makes up the majority of reserve. Typically an open, grassy or bracken dominated eucalypt forest, this habitat type is rich in herbs, grasses, and native orchids. The depleted Heathy Herb-rich Woodland ecosystem type is also present and is very similar, although occurs on different soil types and has a different vegetation profile.
The reserve is home to the vulnerable Tussock Skink (Pseudemoia pagenstecheri), a small ground-dwelling lizard that can be seen basking in the sun or hunting among the leaf litter or grass. These skinks are carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small arthropods. They are olive or grey-brown in colour and grow up to 62 mm long.
The major plant species found on the reserve include eucalypts such as Brown Stringybark (Eucalyptus baxteri), Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis) and Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata), as well as species of Wattle (Acacia spp) and Banksia (Banksia spp).
This property was donated to Trust for Nature in 1990 by the Crawley Family with the aim of protecting the land forever.
Access is restricted for vehicles.
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:
Falling limbs
