This will be a two-part post starting with this, not far from where I live there is a nature reserve called Blackbutt Nature Reserve.
It is in the western suburbs of Newcastle, NSW, centred around Kotara and New Lambton, with major entrances at Carnley Avenue and Richley Reserve. It is one of the most accessible natural areas in Newcastle.
It sits just a few minutes inland from the coast and forms one of the city’s largest continuous bushland corridors.
Blackbutt spans roughly 182 hectares across several connected bushland pockets. There are three main public areas, these are, Carnley Avenue entrance, which is the most popular entrance, with wildlife exhibits, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and walking tracks.
Then there is the Richley Reserve entrance with large open lawns, ponds, BBQ areas, and access to longer bush trails.
There is also an entrance from Lookout Road which edges bushland buffers and has trail access points.
It is about a 10-minute drive from Newcastle’s CBD.
Because it is in the middle of suburban Newcastle it acts as a wildlife refuge for koalas, wallabies, birds, and reptiles. It is also a green corridor linking smaller bushland patches across the city.
It is very popular place for family gatherings as well as a popular place for school excursions and of course those who like to go on bush walks.
Next week I will share some of the history of the reserve
Jo-AnneRamplings 