Police Paddock

This article tells about the flora and fauna of the Police Paddocks.    

The Dandenong Police Paddocks reserve is a large area of land on the southern edge of the City of Knox lying next to Churchill National Park. For many years this area has been regarded as wasteland but, in reality, the area is important in terms of its remnant native vegetation, animal life and its human history.

The Police Paddocks have been severely degraded by unthinking rubbish dumpers and off-road drivers, but still has a lot to offer the nature and history enthusiast. The main attraction of the Police Paddocks is the variation in vegetation type, and hence in the fauna present. Woodlands, native grassland and sedgeland areas are all present and good examples of each are easily found. Whilst some of these areas are mere shadows of their former glory, with proper management they can he improved and serve as reminders of a landscape that was once common throughout the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The dominant tree species found in the Police Paddocks are Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) and Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). Yellow Box, in particular, is a very beautiful tree which can grow to a very large and impressive size. Well known for its use in honey production and for its very durable timber, some very good specimens can be seen around the car park in Churchill National Park. Unfortunately, certain members of our local community find pleasure in felling these trees with hand or chainsaw, only to leave these magnificent trees rotting on the ground.

Birds of all descriptions are found in the Police Paddocks including the colourful Mistletoe bird, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and I recently enjoyed following a mixed flock of feeding honeyeaters around. One very important and rare bird that has been recorded in the region is the secretive and majestic Powerful Owl. This bird is the largest owl in Australia and is considered an endangered species. Its distinctive, spine-tingling hooting indicates its presence at night, although I have only visually observed the bird in the area, and have not heard it. This large owl (about 60 cm high) needs large areas of forest in which to live, and feeds mainly on possums and gliders. The owl needs to feed on a large possum every 2-3 days to survive.

The more inaccessible reaches of the Police Paddocks are a haven for other animals. Ringtail and brushtail possums are common and sugar gliders and echidnas are also present. I once saw a sugar glider glide 20 metres from a large Swamp Gum over my head to a stump behind me. To experience this in an urban region is a fantastic thrill. More animal species, such as water rats, are being discovered in the Police Paddocks quite often. Bandicoots were trapped in the 1970s and may still be around in the more protected parts of the Reserve. It is up to all of us to ensure that important urban conservations areas such as the Police Paddocks are protected so that our native fauna has a chance for survival. Never dump rubbish or animals in bushland. It is not only irresponsible, but it will be our taxes that are used to pay for weed, feral animal and rubbish removal from these areas.

The human history of the Police Paddocks is equally as impressive. Do you know where the name Police Paddocks comes from, or why Stud Road is named as such? I will discuss the Aboriginal and European history of the area in a following article.

The recently released Management Plan for the Dandenong Police Paddocks can be obtained from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in Dandenong. Phone the Department on 9706 7000 if you want more information regarding the past history, present fauna and flora and future plans for this unique piece of land.
Greg Bain, Knox Environment Society.