We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the country we now call Grasstrees Private Nature Reserve.
We pay our respects to them, and recognise the continuing gift of their culture to the life and spirit of our nation.
Welcome to Grasstrees
Grasstrees Private Nature Reserve (GPNR) is a 115ha conservation area on the northern slopes of Bolivia Hill in the scenic New England region of northern NSW.
This small patch of granite outcrops and dry sclerophyll forest is managed under a Conservation Agreement In Perpetuity with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust. GPNR assists also with the work of the Biodiversity and Conservation Division of the Department of Planning and Environment in its conservation efforts for several threatened and endangered plant species found on Bolivia Hill. Reports of Little Eagle sightings at GPNR are submitted to the Northern Tablelands Threatened Birds of Prey Recovery Strategy. And Granite Borders Land Care’s Cool Country Koala Project has provided hundreds of trees for planting to assist in rebuilding koala habitat in the reserve.
Since 2009, the flora and fauna of this property have been observed and documented. Much work has been done. The contribution of Dr. Ross McKenzie in documenting and identifying the plants of Grasstrees has been outstanding. Lists containing upward of 90 bird species and 208 plant species are well established. Other lists are in various stages of development: frogs; reptiles; placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes; arachnids; butterflies and moths; and other insects.
There is something new to learn each day at GPNR. A current focus is observing the process and patterns of recovery following drought (2017 – 2019, bushfire (November 2019), La Nina rains (2020 – late 2022) and another extended dry period from May to November 2023, including the driest September and October on record.
GPNR can be observed and explored via a network of mowed walking tracks which lead from the house yard to nearby viewing points. These easy strolls offer quiet places to sit, and some spectacular views along the way. Longer walks (guided by GPS points) follow rough tracks to all corners of Grasstrees.
Visitors with a passion for nature and an interest in the complexity, challenges and delights of the unique Australian bush, are welcome at GPNR. Contributions to the GPNR natural history knowledge bank are highly valued. Short term accommodation is available.
A brief, ‘bird’s eye’ view of Grasstrees is available here : Play Video (Video courtesy of drone pilot Shane Franchina)
