The value of urban bushland
Overview of the uniqueness and diversity of the Earth
This section introduces students to the Field of Mars Reserve and aligns to the following syllabus content:
nature as a source of wonder
people’s connection to the natural world and why it can vary
the universal value of Earth’s environments.
Time allocation - approx. 60 minutes
Learning intentions
We are learning about:
nature as a source of wonder
people's connections to natural places
the value of urban bushland.
Success criteria
I can:
recall people's different bushland experiences and connections
construct an argument for why urban bushland sites should be protected.
Wallumedegal Country
The Wallumedegal or Wallumattagal are the traditional owners of the Field of Mars Reserve. It is likely that the name Wallumedegal (Wallumattagal) was derived from wallumai the snapper fish (Pagrus auratus), combined with matta, a word used to describe a place, but more often a water place, as with Parramatta and Cabramatta. The Wallumedegal are therefore the 'snapper people' and the fish itself their totem.
We acknowledge the Wallumedegal People who are the traditional custodians of this land. We respect the Elders, both past, present and emerging of all Australian Aboriginal Peoples.
An urban bushland reserve
Activity 1
Field of Mars Reserve is managed by City of Ryde Council as a wildlife refuge. It contains several endangered ecological communities and threatened species and provides significant habitat for native birds and animals.
It is a place for conservation and scientific research and a place for people to visit and experience nature.
As a class:
view the YouTube video about the Field of Mars Reserve
list the aesthetic qualities of the reserve that provide a personal source of wonder.
Forest therapy
Activity 2
Access the website and view the videos about forest therapy
Explain the value of urban bushland to people
Complete the guided meditation activity in your local natural area
Share personal experiences of and connections to urban bushland areas.
Protecting urban bushland
Activity 3
Write an explanation why the Field of Mars Reserve should continue to be managed as a nature reserve.
In your answer:
identify different ways people value the reserve including traditional owners
describe some of the plants and animals found within the reserve
use a criteria such as World heritage criteria to justify continual management.