St Helena Bushland Reserve (Eltham North)

St Helena Bushland Reserve is a 2.4 hectare reserve which has remnant indigenous vegetation, and is surrounded by urban development. The reserve is rated as one of the top five most significant sites within Banyule as it contains the highest quality example of intact red box-red stringybark box-stringybark woodland.

It has state significance for the flora present, and regional significance for the fauna that live here.

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

History

Since European settlement, the reserve was degraded from weeds and pests, the formation of tracks, trampling, timber cutting and cattle grazing. The bushland has been reduced in size because of subdivision, which also means there are no effective habitat linkages to other local remnant bush land areas.

Members of the Friends of St Helena were part of a lobby group in the early 1980s that fought to protect and save as much vegetation and habitat as possible from development. The group is still active today.

Flora and Fauna

St Helena Bushland Reserve is of state significance because of its flora and regionally significant fauna species. There are 146 species, subspecies and recognised varieties and hybrids within the reserve. Three species are listed as rare or threatened in Victoria, and there are a number of species considered regionally vulnerable within the Greater Melbourne area.

The reserve provides habitat for a range of local wildlife including brushtail and ringtail possums, eastern blue tongue lizards, garden skinks, micro-bats and a large number of butterflies and other insects.

Access for Dogs

Dogs and cats are prohibited from entering environmentally sensitive park and reserve areas as designated by signs. Dogs must be under the effective control with a chain, cord or leash outside currently fenced areas.