Both Ash Reserve and Bullen's Land were later renamed "Baluk Willam Flora Reserve", as suggested by the Wurundjeri people. Meaning 'meeting of the clans', the name reflects the area's previous land use by Aboriginal people. Today the reserve is primarily used for the protection and study of its flora and fauna.
The reserve was extensively burnt in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. The regeneration is amazing, and worth a visit just to see how the bush recovers.
There is little known about the fauna population at this stage, other than it is rich in bird life. The flora is another story. Four ecological vegetation classes can be recognised. These are shrubby foothill forest, damp sclerophyll forest, wet sclerophyll forest and healthy woodland (dominated by Silver-leafed Stringybark).
Of the 250 indigenous plant species recorded, 73 are orchid species. This makes the reserve one of the most significant flora terrestrial orchid sites in Victoria. Several orchid species are rare or vulnerable in Victoria.
During a visit to the reserve with the Botany Special Interest Group of Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, I learnt that orchids can be seen on or next to the walking paths and the road verge throughout the year. When I visited in July, a half hour stroll brought 4 different orchid species in flower, with 3 others sending up their flower spikes. The leaves were evident in 3 other species, waiting for Spring and Summer flowering.
If you enjoy easy bushwalking, orchids and a myriad of other bush flowers, venture down. Watch your step "Orchids don't care that they're growing on walking paths" was the well heeded advice of Cathy Powers, our guide for the day. You may like to check out Cathy's website prior to going. There are lots of images of orchids to whet your tastebuds.
The reserve is in the south-west portion of the Dandenong Ranges at Belgrave South. Melway ref: 84 E7.
Reference: Parks Victoria website July 26, 2006
Sue: photography
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This classification was revoked in 1981, at which time the land became known as Ash Reserve. Between 1959 and 1983, the area was used as a campsite for the Girl Guide Association. The remaining 55ha of the reserve was originally a privately owned block known as "Bullen's Land". The block appears to be one of the few properties in the area to have remained in a relatively natural state. In 1977, the land was purchased and set aside as a reserve following recommendations by the Land Conservation Council.