Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cecil Hoskins Nature ReserveNew South Wales |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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A swamp and wetlands are located within the reserve
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Nearest town or city | Bowral |
Established | 7 March 1975 |
Area | 0.46 km2 (0.2 sq mi) |
Managing authorities | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service |
Website | Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve |
See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
The Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a special protected area in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. This 46-hectare (110-acre) reserve is found between the towns of Bowral and Moss Vale. It is a very popular spot for watching birds.
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What Makes This Reserve Special?
The Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is mostly an open area. It includes a section of the Wingecarribee River that has been dammed. Much of this land was cleared a long time ago, in the 1820s. This was done by Charles Throsby. The historic Throsby Park site is also located nearby.
Plants and Trees
Even though much of the land was cleared, some original bushland remains. You can find the rare Camden woollybutt tree here. There are also some of the best groups of snow gums in the Southern Highlands. New trees have been planted recently to help grow back the natural bushland.
Visitor Facilities
The reserve has places for you to have a barbecue or a picnic. There are also public toilets available. This area is more like a park that celebrates culture and history. It is not just a wild natural bushland.
Who Was Cecil Hoskins?
Sir Cecil Hoskins was a person who lived in Exeter and Moss Vale. He loved gardens very much. He knew a lot about trees and shrubs. Many people asked him for advice on how to plan parks and gardens.
Cecil Hoskins' Legacy
Sir Cecil Hoskins had large gardens at his own homes. These were called Invergowrie and Cardrona. He also helped create other beautiful places. For example, he planned the unique garden at the Portland Cement Works in Berrima. He also helped plan and develop Seymour Park in Moss Vale. He was also the Chairman of a committee for the Remembrance Driveway.
Wildlife in the Reserve
The reserve is home to many animals. However, foxes can cause problems for the local wildlife. Efforts are made to control them using different methods.
Amazing Animals to Spot
You might see a platypus or a water rat here. The eastern grey kangaroo also lives in the reserve.
Bird Watching Paradise
The bird life in this area is very interesting. Over 90 different kinds of birds have been seen here. The Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is an important place for many birds that travel long distances. This is especially true for waterbirds. When there is a drought, many birds from inland areas come here to find safety. Some special birds seen here include the blue-billed duck and the rare Australasian bittern.