Location and description

This fieldwork takes place in an area of bushland called Field of Mars Reserve. 

The Field of Mars Resvere bushland is managed by the City of Ryde local government area and exists for the purposes of biological conservation, public enjoyment, and as a site for valuable scientific research. 

There are three broad vegetation community groups in the reserve. These are wetlands, closed forests and open forest/woodlands. These vegetation comminites are surrounded by urban development that brings with it urban exotic/native vegetation, as well as weeds and exotics. 

Scientists have further classified the vegetation communities into specific sites and mapped them in Vegetation communities at Field of Mars Reserve (PDF).

The pattern of vegetation is largely influenced by soil types and where they occur in the landscape. Other influences include climate, drainage patterns, aspect, fire frequency and human activities.

We acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal Peoples of these lands and remember that we always walk respectfully on Country.