NEWS FROM AROUND THE FIELD OF MARS
NEWS FROM THE FIELD OF MARS
Photographer Marco Jimenez gave us permission to publish this excellent view of a Powerful Owl he and his partner spotted quite high in a tree, just off the Doyle track:
The wet autumn weather resulted in more trees falling. A large one lay across the Buffalo Creek Boardwalk middle crossing. To minimize damage, contractors were called in to cut it down and leave the logs nearby.
Bushcare
Congratulations to Streamwatch participants; City of Ryde volunteers were mentioned in the latest Greater Sydney Landcare newsletter https://www.greatersydneylandcare.org/from-soil-to-stream-bushcare-embraces-water-monitoring/.
The autumn weather resulted in many bushcare sessions being cancelled. Wet soil enabled effective removal of well-rooted weeds including privet (Ligustrum spp.), Paddy’s lucerne (Sida rhombifolia), kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus), couch (Cynodon dactylon) and other running grasses. At all sites and at all times of the year but especially in autumn, we are removing Cobbler’s Pegs (Bidens pilosa).
Following weed removal, there is pleasing natural regeneration at the Buffalo Creek areas near Monash Road, Kennedy Street, and Strangers Creek.
Cemetery Creek 2 site continues to be impacted by works within the cemetery. The recently constructed vault at the cemetery boundary is complete, but we have repair work to do with soil and debris left behind on the Reserve side. Another vault is now under construction nearby.
100 Years of the Field of Mars
The definitive history of the Field of Mars is now available free of charge.
100 Years of Field of Mars Reserve, 1887-1987, Written and compiled by Rod Wallace, has now been digitized and can be viewed or downloaded on this website.
Published in 1987 by the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society, the book is a fascinating and informative chronicle of the century prior to that date.
The print version is still available in the Visitor Centre.
Field of Mars Reserve and Wildlife Refuge
Dry eucalypt woodland covers much of the Field of Mars Reserve. This vegetation is typical of the dry, infertile sandstone soils found in Sydney's north and is known as dry sclerophyll woodland. Many of the plants in this area have hard, waxy leaves that tend to be small and narrow, features which help to reduce moisture loss.
Despite being only 56 hectares in size, the reserve contains around 300 species of plants. These plants support an even greater array of animals from the tiniest spiders to large possums and birds.
Surveys conducted in 2006 found evidence of animals that were believed to be missing from the reserve. These include Sugar Gliders, Echidnas and Long Nosed Bandicoots. Control of pest species like foxes may be contributing to the return of animals to the reserve. Also Brush Turkeys are seen regularly and a swamp wallaby was observed in the reserve in 2012.
Along Buffalo and Stranger's Creeks there are long pockets of moist gully vegetation, known as wet sclerophyll forest. Different plant species flourish in the moist conditions found here. Wet sclerophyll forest is characterised by moist rich soils, shadiness and plants with dark green, soft leaves. The cool, moist conditions found within these gullies create the perfect habitat for some of the reserve's animals like finches, wrens, whip birds and ringtail possums.
The location of the Field of Mars:
Google Maps Location
You are very welcome to explore the Reserve using the walking tracks at any time of the day. The walking tracks of the Field of Mars: Field of Mars Walking Track System
The walking tracks map includes several distinct walking tracks. You can find specific information on each of these tracks by downloading the following brochures:
Track notes - Boardwalk
Track notes Doyle-Kunzea
Track notes Doyle-Warada
Track notes - Kunzea
Track notes - Warada Kunzea
Track notes Warada Strangers Creek
Information on birds of the Field of Mars is also available on Birds in the Field of Mars
The Field of Mars is a Wildlife Refuge gazetted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Dogs are not allowed in the Reserve. Riding of all types of bikes in the Reserve is also not allowed.
On weekends the RHHFFPS staffs a Visitors Centre in the Field of Mars (see opposite).
Click Here for information on the Plan of Management of the Field of Mars.
Visitors Centre
The Visitors Centre can be found in the Field of Mars off Pittwater Road. Parking is available in the carpark at the front. Volunteers open the centre each Saturday and Sunday.
Drop in to discover more about the environment and the Field of Mars Reserve before you explore and experience it for yourself!
The Visitors Centre can be reached on foot via a number of nearby streets. Car access is via Pittwater Rd. (opposite Buffalo Reserve). ph: 9816 1068
Opening Times
Winter schedule (April to August): Saturday and Sunday 9am - 4pm.
Summer schedule (September to March): Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm.
Enquiries from groups or individual wishing to visit during the week are welcome. Guided bush walks are available by arrangement when volunteers are available. Contact through email address: rhhffps@gmail.com or phone 9817 4935.
The Visitors Centre contains maps, brochures and information on local and wider community environment issues.
Visitors using prams, strollers, walking frames and wheel chairs have easy access to the Centre toilets. The boardwalk provides a short, easy bushwalk.
INVITATION! - JOIN OUR VISITOR CENTRE TEAM !
We recently welcomed frequent visitor and bushwalker Dianne to our team.
More volunteers are still needed to keep the centre open on weekends!
We have a small number of members on a roster of 4-hour shifts to keep the Visitor Centre open on weekends and public holidays.
Our roster of 4-hour shifts (3½ hours in winter) is negotiated according to members’ availability. No specialised skills are required, and Alfred happily provides the training needed.
Most visitors’ questions are answered in the maps and range of free leaflets we have available.
If interested please email Alfred: alfred.vincent@bigpond.com(phone 02 9879 6067).