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Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Current human interactions

Like so much of Sydney’s bushland, Field of Mars Reserve is threatened by introduced species such as weeds and feral animals, as well as problems to do with stormwater runoff such as elevated nutrient loads and erosion.

These pressures are compounded by the influence of the changing climate - warmer average conditions and more extreme weather events, as explained in the Weeds and climate change fact sheet by the Invasive Species Council (PDF).

Reducing the impacts of weeds and preventing new weeds are essential to increasing the resilience of ecosystems. This gives native species the best chance to deal with the adverse impacts of climate change and other pressures.

The below images showcase some of the current activities and interactions of humans that impact the ecosystem in and around the Field of Mars Reserve.

cars driving on road
Image: Field of Mars Reserve is surrounded by roads, parks, suburban areas and a cemetery.
dense weed thicket
Image: The weed-infested thickets contain many species of introduced plants. Species include broad-leaf privet, cassia, morning glory, trad and balloon vine.
boardwalk along creek
Image: Next to Buffalo Creek are weedy thickets, sandstone outcrops and a boardwalk.
water running down bush track
Image: During extreme rain events, poorly aligned tracks with compacted surfaces can channel runoff which can lead to severe erosion. Flows from heavy rain strips away the topsoil and it is deposited elsewhere.
fox poison bait sign next to bush track
Image: Introduced animals such as the red fox often use the walking tracks. Rangers take advantage of this by positioning poison bait stations close to the tracks.
Large tree in reserve
Image: The reserve contains two valleys. The larger is the site of an old rubbish tip, now a park.
rocky section of bush track
Image: Higher up the sides of the valleys weeds cannot survive in the the dry, sandy, low nutrient soils. Native vegetation thrives in these conditions.
vegetation next to boardwalk
Image: Other areas of native vegetation nearby are under threat from weed encroachment.
stormwater drain on roadside
Image: Stormwater drains channel runoff into the two creeks that flow through the reserve. Stormwater often contains physical, chemical and biological pollution. Heavy rain events create high energy flows.
rock outcrop in bush
Image: Many erosion-resistant rock outcrops of hard-wearing Hawkesbury Sandstone have been left along the sides of the valley.

There are many positive interactions humans have with the ecosystem. The below aerial photographs show an increase in vegetation within the Field of Mars Reserve in 2018 compared to 1943 due to an greater interest in environmental awareness and conservation efforts in the 1970s and beyond. 

vertical aerial view of Field of Mars Reserve
Image: Vertical aerial view of Field of Mars Reserve and surrounding areas on 7 April 2018 showing maturing forests, mangroves and access tracks. Source - NSW Department of Lands
vertical aerial view of Field of Mars Reserve in 1943
Image: Vertical aerial view of Field of Mars Reserve and surrounding areas in 1943 showing low regrowth vegetation, saltmarsh and access tracks. Source - NSW Department of Lands

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We’d like to acknowledge the Wallumedegal Peoples of the Darug Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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