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:

Time allocation - approx. 60 minutes

Learning intentions

We are learning about:

Success criteria

I can:

The Field of Mars Reserve is located on Wallumedegal Country.

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

Field of Mars Reserve | Field of Mars EEC (0:58secs) | YouTube

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:

Forest therapy

Activity 2

Protecting urban bushland

The Field of Mars Reserve contains multiple vegetation communities that provide habtat for threatened species.

Activity 3 

Write an explanation why the Field of Mars Reserve should continue to be managed as a nature reserve.

In your answer: