Wirrimbirra Sanctuary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wirrimbirra Sanctuary |
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Persoonia bargoensis, Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, north of Bargo, New South Wales
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| Location | Off the Hume Highway at 1305 Remembrance Drive, Bargo, Wollondilly Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Area | 95 hectares (230 acres) |
| Built | 1962– |
| Built for | Stead Foundation |
| Owner | National Trust of Australia (NSW) |
| Official name: Wirrimbirra Sanctuary | |
| Type | State heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 1 March 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1508 |
| Type | Flora species site or area |
| Category | Landscape - Natural |
| Builders | Stead Foundation |
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Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is a special place in New South Wales, Australia. It's like a safe home for animals and native plants. You can find it near the Hume Highway in Bargo, a town in Wollondilly Shire.
This sanctuary is a nature reserve for both animals (fauna) and plants (flora). It also has a nursery for native plants and an education centre. The Stead Foundation built Wirrimbirra in 1962. Today, the National Trust of Australia owns and looks after it. In 2002, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register because of its importance.
Contents
A Look at Wirrimbirra's History
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary has an interesting past, starting in the 1960s.
How Wirrimbirra Began
In 1962, an accountant named Carmen Coleman found this amazing area of natural bushland. This was the same spot where early European settlers first saw koalas and lyrebirds in the Bargo area. Carmen Coleman decided to donate this land. She gave it to the David G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation. This foundation started in 1963 to remember David Stead, who was a very important person in protecting nature in Australia.
The National Trust of Australia began working with the Stead Foundation and the Sanctuary in 1963. Wirrimbirra is a great example of the original "Bargo Bush." This type of bushland used to cover a huge area south of Sydney.
Growing the Sanctuary
Part of Wirrimbirra is privately owned land, which the National Trust now owns. The rest is Crown Land, meaning it's managed by the government. The National Trust acts as a trustee, making sure the plants and animals are protected and studied.
In 1965, the Stead Foundation gave their privately owned land, including buildings, to the National Trust. They also arranged for the Crown land leases to be transferred. The Sanctuary grew even bigger in 1975. In 1989, the National Trust bought a small strip of land. This helped protect the Field Studies Centre from bushfires. The Field Studies Centre had opened in 1971.
Special Plants and Education
The Wirrimbirra Native Plant Nursery is officially registered. It even has a special white waratah flower named "Wirrimbirra White." This flower is registered in the National Variety Register in Canberra.
The Sanctuary has many different native plants in its gardens. These gardens were created to show different types of native plants for learning and research. There are over 1800 native plants in 43 gardens. This makes it a great place to study Australian plants.
The Field Studies Centre is a very popular part of the Sanctuary. It's known as a top place for environmental education, both in Australia and overseas.
Protecting Wirrimbirra's Future
The David G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation gave Wirrimbirra to the National Trust (NSW) in 1965. The Foundation has leased the property for many years. A small part of the Sanctuary is now leased to the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society.
A special agreement with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage helps protect Wirrimbirra. This agreement makes sure the native plants are managed and saved forever. In late 2015, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) also classified the Bargo Gorge area as important for conservation.
What You Can See at Wirrimbirra
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary covers about 95 hectares. It's located about 100 kilometres south of Sydney. Wirrimbirra protects a piece of the original "Bargo Brush." This area was very important in the early 1800s when people were settling the Southern Tablelands.
Gardens and Facilities
The Sanctuary has many different native plants in its well-planned gardens. These gardens help people learn about and research native plants. With over 1800 native plants in 43 gardens, it's a fantastic resource for studying Australian flora.
The Administration Area has all the main buildings. These include two cottages for rangers, an office, a bookshop, a display area, and bathrooms. The native plant nursery grows plants for the Sanctuary and also sells them.
Wirrimbirra can host groups of up to 44 people. They can stay in five-bunk style cabins at the Environmental Studies Centre. The Sanctuary is one of the few forested areas left on the flat plateau of the Bargo region.
Recent Changes
- 2008: Pathways and services on the site were improved.
- Late 2008 - Early 2009: The National Trust Magazine NSW reported that over $15,000 was spent. This money helped with pathways, services, and regular maintenance at the Sanctuary.
Why Wirrimbirra is Special
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is very important for many reasons. It helps us understand the history of conservation in New South Wales. It's also linked to key people who started the conservation movement.
A Home for Nature
Wirrimbirra is a natural area with many different plants and animals. Some of these species are rare or endangered. It also acts as a corridor for wildlife, connecting larger natural areas. This is especially important because areas nearby have been cleared. As a piece of the original Bargo Bush, it provides a rich home for many species. It also has many native plants, including rare and endangered ones.
Learning and Community
The Sanctuary is important for the community. It teaches people about protecting Australia's plants and animals. It also helps with research into managing and saving native wildlife. It's especially good at educating young people about the natural world.
A Place for Research and Education
Wirrimbirra is a leading centre for environmental education. It has an "outdoor" classroom designed to show different plant communities. These range from water plants to tree tops. This special classroom, along with nature trails and the natural Bargo Brush, offers valuable lessons for students.
In 1992, specialists from the OECD visited Wirrimbirra. This was part of an international research project on environmental education. This shows how well-known Wirrimbirra is for promoting environmental messages through education and research.
Images for kids
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Persoonia bargoensis, Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, north of Bargo, New South Wales
