Species

Species

The reforestation includes Blue Gum ( E. globulus subsp. globulus) in a small area with some trees reaching 40 metres. The steep areas that comprise 80% of the property were surveyed by forestry experts from the University of Melbourne to advise on the most appropriate native species. The widely divergent microclimates across the site led to specific area recommendations. The tree species planted included Grey Box (E. microcarpa) - the original prevalent species of the area when it was cleared for pastoral use in the 19th century, Red Box (E. polyanthemos), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata), Manna Gum (E. viminalis), Red Ironbark (E. tricarpa and E. sideroxylon), Blue Gum (E. globulus), Sugar Gum (E. cladocalyx), Messmate Stringybark (E. obliqua), Lightwood (Acacia implexa), Silver Wattle (A. dealbata), Ovens Valley Wattle (A. pravissima) and Blackwood (A. melanoxylon). Understorey species planted included: Woolly Tea Tree (Leptospermum lanigerum), Prickly Tea Tree (L. juniperinum), Narrow-leafed Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima) and Wedge-leaf Hopbush (D. viscosa subsp. cuneata). Where tubestock plantings of native species died on exposed slopes in a harsh summer Pinus radiata was planted to stabilize eroding soils.

Wildlife

Since reforesting the site and providing several water points, animal life has increased dramatically. The site is frequented by more than 100 Eastern-Grey kangaroos; numbers fluctuate with droughts to the north when mobs move south. Other mammals include; occasional wallabies, echidnas, antechinus and possibly bandicoots and other small marsupials. Feral species include; rabbits, foxes and occasionally deer. Native bird life had become abundant. It is estimated that Falvey Forest supports many multiples of native fauna and flora compared to its previous use as steep treeless grazing land. 

Blue Gum, Red Box, Mixed River Red and Blue Gums, Echidna, Dragonfly, Baby Martins