Nurragi Reserve follows the line of the former railway from Sandergrove to Milang, a branch-line off the Strathalbyn to Victor Harbor railway line. The Sandergrove to Milang branch-line closed in 1970 and, reflecting its significant cover of native vegetation, the area was set aside as a conservation reserve under the care of the National Trust of South Australia and a volunteer group, the Friends of Nurragi, in 1991.
This dedicated, active volunteer community care for the extremely important remnant of the original vegetation contained in the Reserve. This is significant in an area that has been cleared of around 98% of its native vegetation.
The importance of this reserve to the communtiy was signified by the fifty one keen walkers joined in the inaugural Autumn Walk along the Nurragi Conservation Reserve on Sunday 30th April.
The Nurragi Autumn Walk provided the opportunity to cover a variety of distances. After gathering at Milang, walkers were transported by bus to their chosen start points, then walked back to Milang. Fourteen walkers completed the full 12.4km distance from Tucker Road, 23 walked the 6.9km from the old Nurragi siding location and another 14 did the 3.7km walk from Punkulde (the Milang – Finniss main road). Each group was guided by one or two dedicated Friends of Nurragi volunteers.
The walk gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy the remnant native vegetation and reminders of the old railway along the Reserve, with a little cameo appearance from a couple of mobs of kangaroos. The weather was near-perfect – cool, slightly overcast and with light winds.
On completion of the walk, participants were rewarded with a BBQ provided by Strathalbyn Rotary on the shores of Lake Alexandrina.
The National Trust part-sponsored the event by covering the cost of the barbeque. The Goolwa-Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP) provided substantial assistance in organising walker registrations and part-funding the event and special thanks are due to Sarah Ansell (GWLAP) for coordinating that aspect. Walking SA also provided valuable assistance in helping to promote the walk.
Keep your eyes peeled for next years Nurragi Reserve Autumn Walk! Sign up to our events or Members Club e-newsletter and follow us on social media.
If you’re interested in exploring some of the National Trust Reserves, you can find out more here or if you are interested in volunteering contact Alex Emmins, Natural Heritage Manager at aemmins@nationaltrustsa.org.au or 8202 9227.
Word: Simon Lewis, H K Fry Reserve Volunteer Coordinator
. Images:
- The 12.4km walkers skill looking fresh and happy as they approach the finish at Milang
- Taking a break near the old Nurragi Siding
