Nature Conservation Appeal

The National Trust of SA manages 24 nature reserves across South Australia representing a variety of ecosystems and encompassing a total area of over 2,500ha.

The first National Trust nature reserve was Roachdale Reserve established in March 1957. More were quickly added, resulting in 19 of the first 21 National Trust properties being nature reserves.

Until the 1970’s, vegetation clearance was uncontrolled in South Australia and the state’s parks system was still now well developed. By 1976 regions such as the Yorke Peninsula and the Mt Lofty Ranges had lost at least 95% of their native vegetation; with the Yorke Peninsula remaining the most cleared part of the state. By 1980 South Australia had cleared 80% of its total vegetative cover. At a time when private initiatives for bushland conservation were rare, the Trust was a leader in conserving natural heritage well in advance of government conservation initiatives.

The National Trust was also a pioneer in conserving and restoring native vegetation based on the minimal disturbance bush care approach.

Over 200 years of extensive clearing of native vegetation has removed, changed or fragmented most habitats and contributed to the extinction of hundreds of native species. Weeds and pest animals have become widespread. Invasive weeds displace native vegetation and often contribute to increased fire-fuel loads. Pest herbivores adversely impact native vegetation and contribute to soil erosion, while pest carnivores such as cats and foxes have an enormously detrimental impact upon native fauna. Thousands of species are at risk of disappearing forever.

Most of the Trust’s nature reserves are in highly cleared parts of the state.

These reserves are extremely valuable habitat for native flora and fauna, as examples of once widespread ecosystems, for educational purposes, as sources of propagation material and as places of interest and quiet contemplation for the community. Many reserves have walking trails which appeal to bushwalkers and hikers meandering through stunning bushland backdrops.

Our natural heritage volunteers, with the support and guidance of staff, contribute many thousands of hours each year in helping to manage these nature reserves.

The National Trust of SA nature reserves, along with a wide range of other private conservation initiatives, significantly complement the state’s reserves systems and help preserve the fragmented biodiversity that we do have left. A critical contribution to nature conservation across the state and the nation has been made by the vast number of volunteers who help to conserve bushland areas through activities such as weed and pest animal control, species monitoring, track and trail maintenance and revegetation.

The success of natural heritage conservation programs depends on our many committed volunteers. Our volunteers are active in creating and improving infrastructure in our reserves such as walking trails, shelters, signage, seating and more. Our aim is to increase appreciation and enjoyment of nature, recruit new volunteers and advocate for government agencies to increase resources and capacity building for public participation in nature conservation.

These 24 nature reserves are precious oases for native flora and fauna including many threatened and rare species. The value and significance of these nature reserves are emphasised now more than ever with increasing land clearance and climate change intensifying natural disasters.

We are committed to restoring the health of a variety of ecosystems, which were once widespread, by sustained and substantial conservation contributions through the enormous efforts of a considerable number of dedicated volunteers, enhancing community participation and learning, developing, and fostering strong partnerships with First Nations people and upholding shared relationships with stakeholders, non-government organisations, and government departments.

Research has shown the extensive benefits that exposure to the natural world has on health, reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving cognitive function, enhancing immune system function, and promoting healing. By spending two hours or more in nature each week you can increase positive physical and mental health outcomes. Our aim is to deepen the forms of interaction with nature, improve biodiversity, create an immersive experience, and foster environmental stewardship.

The National Trust of South Australia has made a sustained and significant contribution to conservation of natural heritage in South Australia through conservation programs within our own nature reserves, through collaboration in various partnerships, through advocacy and, most importantly, through the efforts of a vast number of incredible volunteers. There is much to be done in conserving and enhancing our natural heritage for the future. We will continue to play an important role in natural heritage conservation with the support of our members, volunteers and donors like you.

The National Trust of South Australia are dedicated to ensuring these extraordinary places – both built and natural continue to inspire curiosity and wonder for generations to come.

Resources are critical to all our priorities, we receive minimal funding through federal, state and non-government grants and these funds have helped us undertake many projects to improve our nature reserves for future generations, but we cannot rely on this infrequent funding alone and this is where you can help!

Any contribution no matter how big or small, once off or regular will make a huge difference!

Here’s how:

• Pest plant and animal control including contractors for difficult areas that volunteers are unable to access
• Purchase of tools and equipment for volunteers
• Purchase of personal protective equipment for volunteers
• Interpretive signage, including involvement from first nations organizations
• Track and trail design, development and maintenance
• Upgrading of facilities at reserves including shelters, toilets, boardwalks, seating, bridges and important infrastructure
• Wildlife surveillance and monitoring – particularly important for threatened species
• Updating of flora and fauna species lists and making available for the public
• Conservation and bushfire management plans updated and available for the public
• Undertaking cool burns on reserves in conjunction with firesticks alliance and local first nations peoples and organizations
• Developing reserve resources for students and future generations to enjoy

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