“Wallumetta.” Does the name ring a bell? That was the Aboriginal name for this very place the Field of Mars Reserve. The Wallumedegal people of the Darug Nation were its first custodians. Wallumetta likely meant “place of snapper fish”. “Matta” means place and it was often near water.
Welcome to the Field of Mars Reserve. It is a protected nature reserve in Sydney’s northern suburbs. This 50-hectare reserve is a remnant of bushland. It lies between the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers. It is near East Ryde Gladesville Hunters Hill and Ryde.
In 1792 Governor Arthur Phillip gave this land to eight former British marines. He named it the Field of Mars. It’s believed Phillip named it after Mars the Roman god of war. Field of Mars means land of the soldiers. Historically the name has been used for military grounds.
In 1804 Governor King designated it the Field of Mars Common. It allowed the local community to run stock and collect firewood. It spanned over 2500 hectares along Lane Cove River. It stretched from Boronia Park to North Epping.
Over time much of the common land was sold for housing. Local residents wanted to protect the remaining bushland. They helped create the Field of Mars Reserve in 1975. It became a gazetted wildlife refuge in 1979.
The Field of Mars Reserve features diverse flora and fauna. The reserve boasts an environmental education center. It adjoins the Field of Mars Cemetery. Strangers Creek borders it to the north and Wellington Road to the south.
The Field of Mars Reserve showcases Hawkesbury sandstone soil vegetation. You’ll find eucalypt forest gully forest and wetlands. The eucalypt forest thrives in dry infertile soil. Plants here have adapted to conserve moisture. They have hard waxy leaves.
Despite its size the Field of Mars Reserve contains about 300 plant species. These plants support a wide range of animals. You can find spiders possums birds and wallabies here. Common trees include Sydney red gums scribbly gums and Sydney peppermints. Flowering shrubs like old man banksia and hairpin banksias provide food for animals.
Urbanization has affected the Field of Mars Reserve. Land clearing suburban development and introduced species have caused decline. Goannas large gliders kangaroos and small mammals have been lost.
The Field of Mars is managed as a Wildlife Refuge. Dogs horses and bikes are not allowed. Walking tracks and public toilets minimize human impact. Fox control measures have led to the return of native species. Brush turkeys long-nosed bandicoots and swamp wallabies have reappeared.
The Field of Mars Reserve stands as a testament to preservation. It connects us to both indigenous heritage and colonial history. As you explore remember its past and its importance for the future.