We’re a volunteer group dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the ecological value of Bateman Street Bushland. Our activities include weeding, planting indigenous species, habitat monitoring, and advocating for conservation of this significant remnant of Valley Heathy Forest.

Not at all. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about nature. We’ll guide you through what to do at each activity, and there's always someone happy to answer questions or share knowledge.

We typically run working bees or events monthly. You’ll receive details in advance via email or social media. Bring a hat, gloves, water, and sturdy shoes—we’ll supply the tools and guidance.

Yes! Children are very welcome with adult supervision. It's a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about local plants and wildlife.

You can sign up to our mailing list, follow us on social media, or come along to an event. Membership is free and a great way to stay connected.

The site was once part of the Healesville Freeway reservation, which inadvertently protected it from development. This allowed a rare remnant of Valley Heathy Forest to survive—one of the last intact examples in Melbourne’s east. Historical features like old fencing and native grasslands still hint at its pastoral past.

Bateman Street Bushland is recognised in the Sites of Biological Significance in Knox report as ecologically outstanding. It supports an unusually diverse ground flora, rare and threatened species, and offers a snapshot of the natural landscape that once dominated the region.

The reserve is home to a rich mix of indigenous species, including Austrostipa rudis, various peas, wattles, and flowering herbs. The well-drained sandy loam soil supports Valley Heathy Forest vegetation, known for its dense shrub layer and seasonal wildflowers.

The bushland supports a range of birdlife, including the Eastern Spinebill, Spotted Pardolotte, and seasonal visitors like the Flame Robin. Insects, frogs, and skinks also thrive here, creating a lively and interconnected ecosystem.