Bay Road Flora Reserve
246 Bay Road, SANDRINGHAM VIC 3191 - Property No L10021
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Statement of Significance
Scientific:
Bay Road Flora Reserve represents a unique if fragmentary survival of an indigenous ecosystem that once extended from Port Melbourne to Western Port and covered the greater part of Sandringham City.
This area, although small, is of high botanical significance, containing as it does the last vestige of original, undisturbed and uncontaminated heathland (with associated shrubbery) to be found in the Sandringham region; it is also the nearest locality to Melbourne where several kinds of native plants occur naturally, notably: Sweet Wattle, Showy Bossiaea, Aotus, Dwarf She-oak, Small Grasstree and two guinea flowers.
Historical and Educational:
By 1911 the pressure of urban development had substantially reduced the area covered by dry heathland to such an extent that Dr. Sutton, in an article on Sandringham Flora, wrote:
"The heathland is one of the largest remaining tracts of the indigenous dry heathlands which covered much of the pristine Melbourne area, in particular much of the area between Sandringham, Mordialloc, Springvale and Oakleigh."
Today this area is a heathland landscape of considerable historical and educational significance as it not only represents a most important remnant of a major indigenous vegetation type in the Melbourne region, but also reflects the impact of settlement on these areas.
Visual:
Unlike panoramic landscapes which can be appreciated even when travelling at high speed, the detailed, small-scale landscape of the Bay Road Reserve requires slow and careful observation to reveal its subtle beauties. The many plant species in the Reserve present an interesting visual display with an everchanging variety of forms, patterns and colours. The interpretation of the significance of the various plant communities will also assist many observers in appreciating this area.
The sense of enclosure within the densely canopied tea-tree contrasts strongly with the open nature of the heathland. The location of the walking track through both these landscape types has admirably enhanced the quality of the visual experience obtainable within the Reserve.
LOCATION:
No. 246 Bay Road, Sandringham, is located at the southern side of Bay Road, 500m east of Bluff Road.
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Bay Road Flora ReserveNational Trust
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Sandringham and District Memorial HospitalVic. War Heritage Inventory
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Stained Glass Window at Sandringham All Souls' Anglican ChurchVic. War Heritage Inventory
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