Established as a water catchment and reservoir in 1920, the reserve opened to the public in 2016, providing the opportunity to appreciate the significance of remnant vegetation.
With the crisp May air, find warmth in movement discovering the many trails that thread through the landscape. A natural tapestry evolving with the seasons, weather patterns and passing of time, the reserve supports mammals, marsupials, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects and aquatic species, many of which are of national, state, regional and local conservation significance.
A brisk dawn walk anchors the senses; the crunch underfoot soon yields to an eruption of distinctive laughter that echoes from the tree canopy. Follow the eponymous Kookaburra Bush Circuit encircling the reservoir, and marvel as blue-billed ducks trace delicate lines across the mirrored surface with a whisper of flight. Explore the Heathland Bush Circuit dotted with wildflowers and vestige bushland endemic to the area. Follow the Reservoir Circuit Trail for a spectacular view of the Melbourne skyline and across Port Phillip. Landing a soft gaze on the landscape, feel the intrinsic connection in the drop of your shoulders, the relaxing of your jaw and a slower, more conscious breath.
As humans, our affinity for nature is rooted in our evolution. We thrive in the natural environment, developing a deep connection with the natural world we inhabit. Biophilia, derived from the Greek words ‘bios’, meaning life, and ‘philia’, meaning love, is embedded in the concept that humans have an innate connection with nature and other living things, and that this is beneficial for our holistic health and for the conservation of our natural places.
A shift in values and behaviours to foster a more eco-centric relationship with nature for a shared future requires a focus on stewardship and sustainability, as well as a recognition that we and the natural world are deeply intertwined and interdependent.
Get involved in conservation initiatives in your area with ParkConnect at www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au
