Abbey Walk and Campbells Croft, Vermont

Pix of October 10, 2013.

Campbells Croft, Vermont, managed by Whitehorse City, was originally owned by the Campbell family, early settlers of the Vermont area. Passed down to Bruce Campbell and his sister, Daisy, the small family holding of approximately 30 acres remained undeveloped until the late 1960's despite the encroaching residential development.
 

Together Abbey Walk and Campbells Croft are approximately 14 hectares of bushland and open space. Dandenong Creek runs along the east with Boronia Road to the South.
 

Abbey Walk, northern section of the Reserve, is approximately 4 ha of native vegetation and gently rising grassed areas.

Campbells Croft falls into at least five distinctive areas being:
 

The Pines - about 2 ha of extensive plantation of Pinus radiata located on the high western slops.

The Meadow - large grassy open space located centrally within the Croft. Exotic trees including Elms, Poplars, Oaks, Silver Birch gives the park user a relaxing English feel to the Croft.

The Ridge - northern section of the Croft this area is thickly vegetated with a large variety of both native and exotic plantings, Eucalyptus, Pines, Cotoneaster, Pittosporum etc. This area gives a wilderness feel to the Croft.

Remnant Swamp Woodland - a very cherished area of the Croft, consisting of significant areas of high quality remnant vegetation. Much work by the committee volunteers and 'Practical Ecology' has been done within this area, weeding invasive exotic vegetation and replanting with indigenous species.

Wetlands - recently upgraded, this magnificent area is a natural overflow for the Dandenong Creek floodings. It is a large area of indigenous vegetation with thriving aquatic and fauna species.

Click here to see a Slideshow of all of the Photos of my visit!

Comprehensive information about the Reserve, and the activities of the Community Advisory Committee, is at

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~camcroft/index.htm