Friends of Upwey South Reserve

Friends of Upwey South Reserve was formed at the invitation of Yarra Ranges Council in 2017 and now comprises a committee of six, with an increasing number of general volunteers.  Since our inception we have met, mostly monthly for weeding, planting and good company.  Our overarching aim is to improve natural values and increase local biodiversity of the reserve as well as provide pleasant surroundings for the benefit of all local residents and visitors.  We estimate there may be as many as 300 local residents that may access the park if they choose and all will be affected by our activities, the results of which become increasingly evident as time passes.  A source of great satisfaction and pride to us all.  We often chat with other park users to explain our project. They invariably compliment us on our work which after 4 years is showing clear signs of progress with new plant growth and the impressive new wetlands constructed by YRC. 

We have been well supported and supplied by Yarra Ranges Bushland Management and Volunteer Support staff, who ensure we are equipped, training is available and provide some funding.  We have repaid this welcome support not only through our regular working bee efforts, supporting construction and revegetation of the new wetland and engaging the local community in a low-key way, but also by offering local knowledge to help them fine tune their management of the reserve.

We engage with other user groups, such as the Tennis Club and with other organisations such as Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group where we connect into other local events and projects; Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery who supply the bulk of our plants.

FoUSR members take opportunities provided by YRC to train for First Aid, Weed Management, Mapping, Fire Management and other conservation courses as available. 

FoUSR is a member of Landcare Victoria Inc. through which organisation we are insured and auspiced for grant applications.

We are a Child Safe Group.

 Description

Located in Upwey South, Melway reference map 74 K12, (address 98 Morris Road, Upwey, 3158) this attractive and quiet public reserve comprises about 2 Ha of two bushland zones divided by Ferny Creek, with another 2 Ha of mowed grassland with scattered trees and shrubbery.  The publicly accessible area is bounded by Ferny Creek to the north and private houses to the west and south.  This area is reserved for passive recreation, mainly walkers, dogs on leash and of course, conservation activities. There also 4 en tout cas tennis courts, a clubhouse and three asphalt basketball/netball courts and a children’s playground near public toilets.  Access is via Brookside Street from the east.  A single gravelled track winds through the centre of the reserve from the entry road to Morris Road and there are some informal tracks that form a network between the heavily vegetated gullies and the creek bank.

Conservation Activities

 Upwey South Reserve is a significant component of the wildlife corridor along Ferny Creek linking Dandenong Ranges NP along the riparian zone of Ferny Creek to Brooking St Reserve to the north and Glenfern Valley Bushlands to the west and on to the Dandenong Creek Valley.  Over the last decade there has been a concerted effort put into weed control (Sweet Pittosporum, Willows, Blackberries, Agapanthus, English Ivy, etc.) and much indigenous planting funded by Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water for the Corridors of Green program.

Flora and fauna

Many animals, birds and plants are present in the reserve.   The occasional Eastern Grey Kangaroo  Echidna and Satin Bowerbirds have been sighted.  Resident species include Grey Butcherbirds, Magpies, Tawny Frogmouths and an increasing number of smaller bird species are being observed.  It is extremely pleasing to see large areas of kangaroo grass and a variety of small plants, such as Early Nancy, Milkmaids, prostrate Goodenias popping up in areas now reserved from mowing.

Virtual Tour

The Virtual Tour of Upwey South Reserve produced by YRC can be found in the below video clip.

Landscape Context

We meet on the last Saturday morning from February to November, depending on weather, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.  

New members are very welcome.

For further information contact Ian Rainbow, Secretary on 0400098789