Violet Town - Shadforth Reserve Walk
Set on the edge of town among handsome rural outlooks, Shadforth Reserve presents a fine example of a periurban grassy woodland with a history of community management.
The site was named Shadforth Reserve in the Victorian Govt Gazette 1965. In the 1880s & 90s, E Company, Victorian Mounted Rifles trained here. In 1886 Violet Town Racing Club acquired 141 acres. The first horse race was held in March 1890. Races continued until at least WW2. Two equestrian events were held in 2016 & 2017.
The site had the Horticultural Show until 1939. In June 1951 it was reserved for public recreation and showgrounds. A Golf Club started around 1960 and finished in 2012. A community forest was planted in 2006.
There has been an eco-synthesis of indigenous and non-indigenous species. There are several ancient indigenous trees including grey box, yellow box, white box and yellow gum. Plantings of spotted gum, sugar gum, red ironbark and many other species have also flourished.
Shadforth Reserve - a Brief History
- In 1886, the Violet Town Racing Club acquired 141 acres. A race track was built, complete with furlong distance posts. In March 1890, the first horse race was held. Horses came from Wangaratta and surrounding districts by train. They were placed in wooden stalls while they waited to use the track. Extensive use of the track continued until at least World War II.
- In 1887 until early 1900s, a detachment of the Victorian Mounted Rifles E company trained on the reserve.
- In 1900, the area was proclaimed a reserve and gazetted. It was named 'Shadforth Reserve' in 1965.
- In June 1951, two ovals were formed and the area was use for cricket games and recreation, including bike racing, pony jumping, foot racing and wood chopping.
- In 1960, the Violet Town Golf Club was established and continued until 2012.
- In 2006, a Community Forest was planted by Violet Town volunteers.
- In 2019, the Shadforth Reserve Committee of Management was established.
- In 2020, the Violet Town Men's Shed was built on the reserve.
- In 2021, the old Clubrooms were restored for Community use.
A range of species line old fairways, including some high quality native vegetation, making it a sanctuary for native fauna. The open woodland structure and plantings are useful to woodland birds. Large old trees support wildlife, including threatened birds and arboreal mammals, reptiles and bats. Native grasses provide seed, insect and bird food while planted shrubs are heavily used for food and shelter by small birds. As well as a mob of kangaroos and a few wallabies, wildlife includes antechinus, sugar-gliders, microbats, choughs, honeyeaters, robins, parrots, whistlers, wrens, kookaburras, currawongs, dollarbirds and a small colony of the endangered Grey-crowned Babbler.
The site has several dams and ponds. The heavy clay soils shed water effectively, so the ponds quickly refill after substantial rain. When full you can hear a chorus of frogs, including the Pobblebonk and the Striped Marsh Frog.
An interesting Committee of Management objective is to test the idea that land use values do not have to be isolated from each other. Their Charter provides for "managed community access for multiple complementary benefits including recreation, amenity, habitat, conservation and productive uses." A range of land uses coexist. Planting of the community forest and thinning, coppice growth and regrowth for cut and re-cut, anticipates wood production. Track maintenance anticipates exercise. Revegetation anticipates conservation and habitat improvement. Old fairways make for tree lined avenues. Sand scrapes remain in acknowledgement of prior use. There is a Men's Shed.
Change here is being managed for the better. This is a reserve where the legacy has been re-imagined and spaces re-equipped for a variety of purposes. Whether following tracks, wandering at leisure, immersing yourself in nature, giving the dog a run, or riding a horse, sulky or pushbike, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities here.
There are two Shadforth Reserve tracks - Reserve track is 3km and the Old racecourse track is 1.8km.
Map of Walk Route:
Interactive map
Points of Interest:
1. Old Racecourse
For a very easy 1.8km walk, the old racecourse has a smooth, firm, sandy base suitable for visitors of all abilities and mobility devices.
2. The Oval
Part of the area inside the old racecourse includes two sports fields. These grassy open spaces remain, and are perfect for dogs to run free.
3. Island Pond
Looking for some quiet time under a tree by the water? Catch some reading or a yabbie or two.
4. Community Forest
Plantings here date back to 2006. Managed community access plans for wood harvesting.
5. Wildflowers
If you visit the Reserve in Spring, exploring the track near the forested Shadforth Rd and Hoskin Lane makes for productive wildflower searching.
6. Three Ponds
Nestled against the Shadforth Rd boundary are three ponds prettily clustered together that are home to frogs and other aquatic life.
7. Heritage Features
Old sand scrapes and tree bordered, grassy fairway avenues are attractive features of the walk.
8. Yellow Gums
These majestic specimens are an example of some of the mature indigenous trees on the reserve as well as some towering grey box, white box and yellow box.
9. Grey-crowned Babbler
Also known as the Yahoo-bird', so called because of a call that is actually made by two of these social creatures, with the female calling 'ya' and the male calling 'hoo!' Photo Warwick Paton.
10. Revegetation
Volunteers continue to improve the conservation values of the Reserve with planned revegetation.
11. The Finishing Post
Once this was a horse race track for gallopers and trotting gigs. Here stands the finishing post. Walk or run the 1.8km circuit to find your PB.
12. Men's Shed
The old Golf Clubhouse was built by local volunteer labour, and awaits restoration. To the east of it is the new Men's Shed.
13. Public Toilets
Handy when you are away from home. There is also an unshaded picnic table.
Review:
The track starts off as cut grass and then becomes a dirt path for most of the way. The most interesting parts of the walk are the ponds along the way. These ponds had water in them even at the end of summer. Along the way you will see signs for the former golf course which used to be here. We didn't see any kangaroos in the reserve but there were a lot of kangaroos in the paddock to the north of the reserve. There is some interesting artwork at the Men's Shed where there is also a toilet and picnic table.
Photos:
Location
Shiffner Street, Violet Town 3669 Map
Web Links
→ Shadforth Reserve Walk, Violet Town (Walking Maps)
→ Shadforth Reserve Brochure (PDF)
