Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve
This small but highly significant parcel of bushland is part of one of the largest inland blocks of native vegetation in this southern region with very high biodiversity values.
Bullock Bridge by Alex Nankivell
Location
East of Kingston on the Limestone Coast, adjacent to the Mount Scott Conservation Park
Major aims
Threat abatement, conservation and protection of Fauna and Flora
Key threatened species
Initial information indicates the presence of Malleefowl, Blue-winged Parrot, Satin Flycatcher, Flame Robin and Beautiful Firetail
Management
Nature Foundation
Traditional owners
Meintangk people
Introducing Bullock Bridge
Located on the traditional lands of the Meintangk people, Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve is east of Kingston on the Limestone Coast, adjacent to the Mount Scott Conservation Park.
The vegetation is a superb mix of eucalypt and mallee woodlands comprising Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), Blue Gum (E.leucoxylon), Pink Gum (E. fasciculosa), Stringybark (E. arenacea /baxteri), Soap Mallee (E. diversifolia) and Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarinaverticillata) woodlands over a diverse understorey of shrubs, herbs and forbs.
The Mount Scott region is rich in botanical diversity, with 393 plant species recorded on the Atlas of Living Australia, including 32 terrestrial orchid species. This diversity in plant life makes the area a remarkable bird sanctuary and regionally significant, with the mosaic of habitat types supporting a high degree of species richness.
The property is also home to a wealth of native mammals and reptiles, including Heath Monitor (Vulnerable, South Australia), Little and Western Pygmy Possum, Silky Mouse, Common Brushtail Possum, Short-beaked Echidna, Bare-nose Wombat and possibly Sugar Gliders.
The high biodiversity values and connectivity to Mount Scott Conservation Park make this an invaluable block of bushland in the regional context.
Bullock Bridge was purchased in January 2024 through our Forever Nature Fund with donations from our generous supporters, including $100,000 each from leading benefactors Professor Hugh Possingham and Professor Phill Cassey.
Reserve Management
The property is under a native vegetation heritage agreement and contains self-sustaining intact native vegetation requiring low ongoing maintenance. Some areas have been illegally cleared and we are exploring the most appropriate revegetation options.
Initial baseline biological surveys and other activities are in progress, and the results of these will provide initial management recommendations and inform a more detailed management plan.
Traditional owners
Bullock Bridge is located and on the traditional lands of the Meintangk people
Nature Foundation are committed to developing partnerships with Aboriginal people to enhance conservation outcomes and increase cultural understanding, and will connect and consult with traditional owners of the area.
Visit Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve
Nature Foundation may in the future open Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve during member events or volunteer activities that support conservation work on the property.
To find out how to get involved with conservation activities on our Nature Reserves see our volunteer program details.