Englebrook Reserve
Engelbrook Reserve supports a number of different wildlife habitats and plant communities. Most of the 27 hectares is covered with Stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua) open forest and areas of Cup Gum (E. cosmophylla) and Pink Gum (E. fasciculosa) with a diverse shrub understorey. Mountain Gum (E. dalrympleana ssp dalrympleana) and Manna Gum (E. viminalis) occur on the Cox Creek valley floor. Two tributary creeks drain south and these contain wetlands, permanent springs and bogland, which support a large variety of species of conservation significance. The property is subject to some weed invasion that is being reduced through regular volunteer effort and the employment of bush restoration contractors as funds allow.
- Engelbrook is considered to have high biological value because it conserves vegetation of the “Hahndorf Environmental Association” of which <1% of the original remains.
- The flora is rich in species diversity (>222 indigenous species identified) and community diversity. It forms part of a larger vegetation remnant and ecological corridor along the Cox and Aldgate Creeks, locally known as the Valley of the Bandicoots.
- The eastern wetland containing a bogland and swamp supports at least 6 plant species of particular conservation significance.
- Smaller spring fed wetlands in the western section also support similar plant species as well as the rare coral fern (Gleichenia microphyllya).
- There is also a population of the rare Leonema hillebrandii adjacent Cox Creek on its north side the reserve supports the rare Spreading Correa (Correa decumbens) which is only found in this region of South Australia.
- Nine birds of state conservation significance and host plants for 3 rare butterfly species can be found in the reserve.
The best time to visit is in spring or early summer when the wild flowers such as orchids and lillies are in full show.
History
Englebrook Reserve was donated to the National Trust of South Australia by Mr and Mrs CGO Engel in January 1964.
Management
The reserve is managed by the Friends of Engelbrook Reserve, who hold regular volunteer working bees. Contract work is funded from time to time by grants from a range of sources. Weed control is a major task for the Friends of Engelbrook Reserve in addition to maintenance of the walking trail.
An updated Bushfire Management Plan - Engelbrook Reserve, December 2009 was developed to support the Trust's private landholder contribution to community bushfire safety, incorporating nature conservation objectives.
Location
Englebrook Reserve is located 1km South East of Bridgewater, in the Mt Lofty Ranges.
Latitude-longitude -35.021,138.764
Access
The reserve may be accessed from Bridgewater via Oak Avenue and Wattle Avenue in the North East, and from Aldgate via Mountford Avenue in the South West of the reserve.
Walking
A brochure (available from the National Trust head office) will guide you around the Engelbrook nature trail, highlighting points of interest. The circuit is about 1.8km and is rated by the National Heritage Trust as a Class 4 hiking track. Allow 60 mins return.
Open
The site is open daily but CLOSED during the Mt Lofty Ranges Fire Ban Season
Enquiries
Natural Heritage Manager, National Trust of South Australia
Details
Features:
Nature Reserve
District: Bridgewater
Operating Days: MTWTFSS