Environment

Reserves of Lovett Bay North & Towlers Bay

Location

Lovett Bay North & Towlers Bay , Western Foreshores

Type of Park

• Beach Reserve
• Bushland Reserve
• Foreshore Reserve
• Wharves

Park Features

• Walking Track Easy
• Walking Track Medium
• Walking Track Hard
• Bush Regeneration Sites
• Native Birds
• Wildflowers

Description

The reserves are located from Lovett Bay North to Towlers Bay on the western foreshore of Pittwater in this area of low residential development.

The reserves are bushland dominating these largely undeveloped areas. Residential properties often form a boundary with the reserve as do National Parks, Roads and Crown land. Many have water frontages.

Environmental Projects in the Area

Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest Restoration

As Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest is listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) as an Endangered Ecological Community it is crucial that we act now and take steps towards managing and protecting the forest community before it’s too late. Pittwater Spotted Gum forest is home to a large number of local native animals, including many bird species and the Endangered Squirrel Glider.

Community planning and engagement workshops have revealed that the community values and identifies with the “leafy” look of Pittwater. It is the Spotted Gums and other Eucalyptus trees that make up much of this valued “Green Look”. Over 70% of Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest is found on private land, with only 30% existing in Council bushland reserves.

The purpose of this project is:

• To restore native flora and fauna in an Endangered Ecological Community
• To create a buffer on private land that aids in the protection of Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest and stop weeds coming onto private property.
• To work with residents in conservation practices, such as noxious weed removal, so that restoration works will be sustained in the future.
• To restore degraded areas and edges by planting with native tubestock grown from seeds sourced from the reserve.
• To ensure that in 50 years Pittwater can continue to be renowned for its ‘leafy’ nature with an abundance of native wildlife.

Walking Tracks & Access

A network of tracks and fire trails exists, as well as the foreshore wharf.

Plants

The vegetation is Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) Open Forest community. Associated tree species are Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata) and Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda).

Animals

The Reserves of Lovett Bay North and Towlers Bay form part of the eastern extent of land continuous with Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park which is the estuarine limit of this large expanse of bushland. The habitat types represented are Hawkesbury Sandstone Forest, Narrabeen Forest, Closed Forest and the estuarine habitats (Swamp Oaks and Mangroves) on alluvial flats.

Within these habitats are a number of features which are conducive to the presence of a wide range of fauna species. Tree hollows which are used by arboreal mammals, bats and a variety of birds (especially parrots), are common in mature trees.

The rocky outcrops, fallen logs and thick ground cover provide niches for reptiles, frogs and small terrestrial mammals. The ridgetops are host to heaths and woodlands nearby.

Features

• The Reserves of Lovett Bay North and Towlers Bay contain Spotted Gum Forest that is considered significant at a state level and Coachwood Closed Forest that is regionally significant
• they provide a range of habitats including intertidal habitats adjacent to forest habitats and act as an extension of large bushland areas in the National Park
• they provide panoramic views to Barrenjoey Headland and Pittwater
• they contribute to the landscape quality of Pittwater Foreshore and are used for a range of activities in a bushland setting
• they provide a record of the original landscape and the changes wrought by urban development
• they are an educational resource and a contact point with nature for residents
• they contains significant aboriginal sites and a European heritage site

Source: Pittwater Council