Reserve

Uambi Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of this land, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people

Uambi (pronounced “you-am-bee”) covers 3.744 hectares, the largest intact remnant of the original Heathmont bushland, and one of the largest remaining stands of Lowland Heath Forest in Metropolitan Melbourne.

It is an area of high biodiversity values. More than 187 plant species have been recorded here, one of which is considered endangered in Victoria. Elements of steep dry slopes, moist foothill forest, seepage sites, and lower floodplains are all present, making Uambi particularly rich in the diversity of its flora—an oasis surrounded by suburbia.

  • 26 Allens Rd, Heathmont, 3135
  • All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger.

The canopy is dominated by Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) with scattered Thin-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) and Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha). Silver-leaf Stringybark (Eucalyptus cephalocarpa) is present along the edges of the gullies. The main understory trees are Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) and Blackwood. 

Uambi has been a community nature reserve for more than 36 years. John and Joan Harper, who purchased the property in 1940 and built their home here in 1949, gifted the property to Trust for Nature (then called “Victorian Conservation Trust”) in 1988. Their aim was to perpetuate its significant conservation values in perpetuity. 

Uambi is managed in accordance with the objectives specified in the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972 as a refuge for indigenous flora and fauna, for scientific study, and for community education. Ultimate management responsibility rests with Trust for Nature, assisted by a Committee of Management, mostly local volunteers. 

“When the Trust was seeking to establish a Committee of Management for Uambi, it immediately made a lot of sense to me to help out,” said Will. 

Growing up next door, he spent his afternoons playing chasey and hide-and-seek with his sisters, friends and neighbours on the block. 

“We simply called it ‘The Bush’. Now, 50 years on, I still live in a corner of Uambi and continue to appreciate the stillness, the space and sense of calm I feel on my regular walks.” 

Through volunteering, Will has met some wonderful, knowledgeable people who are passionate about the environment. 

Maintenance is constant, provided by one or two volunteers almost daily, while Trust for Nature staff conduct working visits at least once a fortnight. Volunteer members of Heathmont Bushcare conduct working bees every three or four months. Principal tasks include track maintenance (clearing fallen trees and branches, mulching tracks, adding or replacing trackside logs), planting, and weeding. Continuous attention is required for weeds such as wonga vine, asparagus fern, sweet pittosporum, and blackberry, with spring bringing other exotics like angle onion and English broom. 

There are low impact walking tracks that protect the vegetation while allowing people access into the reserve. 

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. 

Explore Uambi Reserve

The canopy is dominated by Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) with scattered Thin-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) and Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha). Silver-leaf Stringybark (Eucalyptus cephalocarpa) is present along the edges of the gullies. The main understory trees are Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) and Blackwood. 

Uambi has been a community nature reserve for more than 36 years. John and Joan Harper, who purchased the property in 1940 and built their home here in 1949, gifted the property to Trust for Nature (then called “Victorian Conservation Trust”) in 1988. Their aim was to perpetuate its significant conservation values in perpetuity. 

Uambi is managed in accordance with the objectives specified in the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972 as a refuge for indigenous flora and fauna, for scientific study, and for community education. Ultimate management responsibility rests with Trust for Nature, assisted by a Committee of Management, mostly local volunteers. 

“When the Trust was seeking to establish a Committee of Management for Uambi, it immediately made a lot of sense to me to help out,” said Will. 

Growing up next door, he spent his afternoons playing chasey and hide-and-seek with his sisters, friends and neighbours on the block. 

“We simply called it ‘The Bush’. Now, 50 years on, I still live in a corner of Uambi and continue to appreciate the stillness, the space and sense of calm I feel on my regular walks.” 

Through volunteering, Will has met some wonderful, knowledgeable people who are passionate about the environment. 

Maintenance is constant, provided by one or two volunteers almost daily, while Trust for Nature staff conduct working visits at least once a fortnight. Volunteer members of Heathmont Bushcare conduct working bees every three or four months. Principal tasks include track maintenance (clearing fallen trees and branches, mulching tracks, adding or replacing trackside logs), planting, and weeding. Continuous attention is required for weeds such as wonga vine, asparagus fern, sweet pittosporum, and blackberry, with spring bringing other exotics like angle onion and English broom. 

There are low impact walking tracks that protect the vegetation while allowing people access into the reserve. 

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.