Banyule Northern Grassland Reserve (Heidelberg West)

This 6 hectare reserve's main vegetation community is plains grassy woodland, and is comprised of many plant species unique within Banyule. The grassland forms part of the Darebin Creek Trail Park, an important wildlife corridor between Darebin Creek and the Yarra River. It is used as a recreational area for dog walkers, joggers, bike riders and bird enthusiasts, and is an educational area for the community and La Trobe University.

Activities in the park include walking/bike trails and wildlife observation.

History

Cattle have grazed in the area in the past. There have also been earthworks to repair the side of the creek, and water drainage has been installed. The nearby area has been cleared for development, and vegetation in these areas have been changed by the introduction of non-indigenous species. The closest area of remnant grassland is located 8km away in Bundoora Parklands.

Flora and Fauna

The bioregion for this area is the Victoria Volcanic Plain which runs from Heywood in western Victoria to Maryborough, and from Warrnambool to Heidelberg.

Most of the remnant vegetation within the reserve belongs to the ecological community Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Less than 5% of this ecological community remains.

There are many grassland species in the reserve, including blue devils, kangaroo grass, yellow rush lily, lemon beauty heads and bronze bluebell.

A diverse range of native Australian wildlife use the grasslands for habitat and as a food source including spotted pardalotes, eastern blue tongue lizards, brown goshawk, eastern grey kangaroos and tiger snakes.