Bellbird Dell Reserve
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This 17.5 ha, 1.4 km. linear reserve can be accessed from six points, but George Street is the recommended entry point as there is ample roadside parking.
There is a small playground at both ends of the reserve and many seats along the paths to just sit and enjoy the ambience. There are also several picnic tables and a small covered area.
It mainly consists of remnant bush which have a myriad of walking trails throughout, many named.
There are several small areas of wetland with ornamental ponds, some occupied by frogs letting everyone within earshot know that they were home. Ducks were noticed loitering on those ponds.
Most of the paths are well-formed. There is a perimeter track around much of the area and this can be a little steep in parts as are some of the narrower paths.
The reserve appears to be in a gully and the main feature is a long wide meandering boardwalk down the centre of the gully. This boardwalk would be eminently suitable for wheelchairs, as it is level.
I would recommend this reserve for anyone wheelchair-bound to have a real bush experience. Together with the boardwalk and wide compacted gravel paths almost the whole length of the reserve can easily be navigated.
It is along this main corridor that most birds were seen and heard. The most common was the proverbial noisy miner. A couple of wattlebirds were also seen.
Many magpies could be heard chortling away, but only one was seen.
To add colour to a dull day several rainbow lorikeets presented themselves, albeit, high in the trees.
Although the reserve is named after the distinctive sound of bell birds, none were heard. No substitute, but several pigeons were spotted in trees.
A nesting box, high in a tree was encouraging to see, as these are appearing in many suburban parks and reserves.
Further colour was added by the many wildflowers throughout the reserve. Another reason for seeking out this walk, particularly in springtime.
Many wattles were now fading, having done their job of heralding the approach of spring, although a few late bloomers were still very colourful.
About ten different wildflowers were counted although I suspect a couple of those were escaped domestic specimens. Such is my wildflower identification skills.
My walk was on a bleak Saturday morning but twelve others were met getting their daily exercise.
The former proposed, but now abandoned, Healesville freeway would have dissected this magnificent bushland taking away its enjoyment for not only local residents, but those eager to enjoy the bush without going bush.
I would describe this reserve as a real gem as it presents a very easy walk mostly through genuine bush, with birds and wildflowers abundant.
#disabled_friendly
#outdoor
#outer_east
#parks
#vermont_south
#walks
#Wheelchair-Accessible-
%wnmelbourne
128122 - 2023-06-13 04:38:56