Field of Mars Reserve

Traditional Custodians

The Wallumedegal People of the Darug Nation are the Traditional Custodians of the now named Field of Mars Reserve. Originally Wallumetta, the name probably came from the word 'wallumai' meaning snapper fish and 'matta' meaning place, often a water place.

The Wallumedegal Peoples found all the resources needed in bushland and waterways.

The name 'Field of Mars'

In 1792 Governor Phillip granted land on the north side of the harbour to 8 former British marines and named the area the Field of Mars.

It is believed that Phillip named it Field of Mars after the Roman god of war, Mars – 'land of the soldiers'. The name Field of Mars has been used though history for military parade and exercise grounds.

Pittwater Road, East Ryde, circa 1888. Lane Cove River is in the distance.

Field of Mars Common

In 1804, Governor King set aside a large part of the underdeveloped area as the Field of Mars Common. The common, spanning 2523 hectares and approximately 2.2 kilometres wide, was intended for the grazing of sheep and cattle. It was also used for timber cutting and firewood collection. The land extended along Lane Cove River from Boronia Park to North Epping and West Pennant Hills.

Map of Field of Mars Common, 1862

Field of Mars Reserve

In the 1880s most of the common was cleared for farms and housing. Some land was set aside as a park which formally became the Field of Mars Reserve in 1887.

As housing developments increased, parts of the reserve were used as a garbage tip. Local residents formed the Ryde-Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and successfully lobbied against the tip expansion, advocating instead for the creation of a nature reserve. Their efforts were successful, and in 1975, the Field of Mars Reserve was proclaimed as a Wildlife Refuge.

Looking towards Buffalo Creek at the entrance to Field of Mars Reserve

Vegetation

The Field of Mars Reserve includes a variety of vegetation communities typically found on Hawkesbury sandstone soils. The main vegetation communities are  eucalypt forest, gully forest and wetlands.

The vegetation of the eucalypt forest grows in dry, infertile Hawkesbury sandstone soil. The plants are characteristic of the dry conditions with most having hard, waxy leaves, known as sclerophyll. To reduce moisture loss leaves may also be small or narrow.

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 possums, birds and wallabies.

Common trees such as Sydney red gums, scribbly gums and Sydney peppermints make up the canopy of the forest. Flowering shrubs such as old man banksia and hairpin banksias provide food to many animals.

Map of vegetation communities in the Field of Mars Reserve

Wildlife

The reserve is home to approximately 85 species of birds. These include insect feeders such as the superb fairy wren, nectar feeders such as the eastern spinebill and seed feeders including cockatoos and finches. Carnivorous birds including the kookaburra, magpie and pied currawong are also present. The predatory powerful owl is an occasional resident.

A number of mammals live in the reserve including ringtail and brushtail possums, bandicoots, swamp wallabies, a variety of bats and sugar gliders. Six lizard species including the eastern water dragon and 3 species of snake including the red-bellied black snake are found in the area.

Five native fish species have been recorded in Buffalo Creek and 4 species of frog such as the red-crowned toadlet are found within the reserve.

Tawny frogmouths live in the reserve but are difficult to spot due to their excellent camouflage.

Effects of urbanisation

The Field of Mars Reserve has seen a decline or loss of many native species due to land clearing, suburban development and the introduction of weeds and feral animals. Native species lost or in decline include goannas, large gliders, kangaroos and small mammals such as the antechinus.

Houses border the reserve.

Management

The Field of Mars is a Wildlife Refuge under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. To sustainably manage the reserve, dogs, horses, mountain bikes and trail bikes are not permitted. Walking tracks and public toilets are also available to minimise human impacts, including accessible tracks and facilities.

Foxes are controlled by baiting and other measures. This has led to the return of  brush turkeys,  long-nosed bandicoots  and the occasional sightings of  swamp wallabies.

Signage helps visitors stay on tracks and protect the reserve.

Eucalypt forest digital book

Find out more

Written by teachers, Eucalypt Forest explores the beautiful natural environment of the Australian eucalyptus forest.

Learn about the interactions between plants and animals in the forest and how people can interact with and care for these special natural areas.

Containing a suite of interactive activities, videos and beautiful images, this book will encourage you to go out and explore your local eucalypt forest.

Download free from Apple Books