More from Bald Hill Reserve
Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Bald Hill Reserve – the Taungurung.
Located on the outskirts of Kyneton, the 96-hectare forest, woodland and grassland reserve is an ecologically, geologically and culturally significant location. The reserve is perfect for bird watching, bushwalkers, photographers and naturalists. There’s something to offer for anyone with an interest in native plants (in particular wildflowers), frogs, birds, reptiles and other creepy crawlies, native animals including the phascogale, sugar gliders and much more.
The reserve’s rich diversity of indigenous flora and fauna includes state and nationally significant species. It is the largest and most intact area of native vegetation within the Kyneton region consisting of several species of eucalypts over a ground layer of native grasses, herbs, lilies and orchids.
There are two peaks in the reserve, which form a prominent feature of the surrounding Kyneton landscape, providing a junction between granitic and basaltic geological formations.
Important Biological Significance
Information is taken from the EMP prepared by Atlas Ecology.
There are three Vegetation Communities within the reserve with overlapping of vegetation species occurring as the communities merge.
1. Basalt Grassy Woodland
Surrounding the North West corner of the Bald Hill volcanic cone, comprising of open eucalypt woodland, mainly Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) over a diverse understory of grasses and herbs.
2. Granitic Grassy Woodland – North East Peak
Weathered granite outcrop with an overstory of Manna Gum and a ground layer of grasses, herbs, lilies, and some orchids.
Both areas are regarded as Endangered Vegetation Communities within the Central Victorian Uplands Bioregion.
3. Valley Grassy Forest
Dominated by an overstory of Narrow Leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata) with a minimal mid-story, and an understory that supports a variety of herbs, orchids, lilies, sedges and grasses.
Many of these trees are coppiced following past logging practices. Closer to Pipers Creek Road, the grasslands consist of a combination of native grasses, herbs, lilies, orchids and introduced grasses.
Regarded as a Vulnerable Vegetation Community within the Central Victorian Uplands Bioregion.
Flora
National Significance Species listed as endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Dianella amoena (Matted Flax Lily)
Glycine latrobeana (Clover Glycine)
Fauna
National and Victorian Significant Species
Brush tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa)- considered near Threatened at a national level and Vulnerable in Victoria.
Brown Toadlet – (Pseudophryne bibronii) – Endangered in Victoria
Powerful Owl – (Ninox strenua) – Vulnerable in Victoria
Koala- (Phascolarctos cinereus) – The population was more commonly observed in the reserve in the past, although there have been some sightings in recent times.
Other species seen often are mobs of Grey kangaroos, echidnas, the Blotch-Back Blue Tongue, Sugar Gliders in nest boxes and the swamp wallaby.
Access is via Mount St Marys Lane, off Baynton Road.
Dogs are allowed in the reserve but must be on a lead at all times.
Mountain biking is also permitted on the established tracks.
Content about Bald Hill Reserve taken from the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve website.
Please note: The Kyneton Gun Club has a lease on the southern section of the reserve and uses this area on the third Sunday of the month (and second Sunday in December) for clay target shooting from 11-6pm. Visitors should avoid this area during this time and comply with signage.