RYDE FLORA and FAUNA STUDY 2008 - City of Ryde - NSW ...

Access to the Ryde area was difficult as it was bounded by the Lane Cove River to the
east and the Parramatta River to the south. The Hornsby Plateau slopes steeply
southwest into the Ryde area again making passage uncomfortable. The easiest means
of entry was by boat along the Parramatta River or by land from Parramatta. Eventually
punts were established to provide crossing points across the Parramatta River and it
was only then that road networks were established throughout the area.
Initially only river flat areas were opened up for agriculture but orchards and other small
scale farms were established in the valley areas. Agriculture was not to remain as the
dominant land use for long. The demand for land for housing soon outstripped acreages
required for farming and Ryde quickly adopted the heavily-urbanised features that it still
retains. The surge of residential dwellings put great pressure on the supply of land and
all land that was not in very rugged or inaccessible locations was converted to
residential sites or roads.
Remnant Bushland
For Ryde, urbanisation has meant that all of the higher ridge areas were cleared and
settled. Major roads were located at the peak of ridges and smaller, lateral roads
branched from the main thoroughfares to lower levels. Very little of the original ridge-top
vegetation survived land clearing (Howell and Benson 2000). Fortunately, several areas
of gully vegetation were not overtaken by the urban sprawl and these remain as green
oases in a sea of bricks, tar and cement.
The bushland reserves of Ryde have become an integral part of the nature of this Local
Government Area (LGA). Green spaces soften the harshness of buildings and roads
and create a much more attractive setting, increasing the value of residential properties
nearby and providing a retreat for those wishing to escape suburbia.
In recent years, Councils in Sydney have found that bushland reserves have changed
focus in the community. Originally, they were spaces that escaped development and
were pleasant places to visit. With the increasing urgency for urban consolidation, a
movement towards greater protection of remnant areas has resulted (e.g. Green Web
Project for Sydney). Bushland reserves are no longer areas that can be left to their own
devices, they need to be managed and maintained. In short, bushland reserves are
areas of conservation for both native plants and animals.
For Sydney city councils, a role in fauna and flora conservation has not existed until
recently. Councils are seeking to become managers of bushland and the animals and
plants that occur within. Ryde City Council has accepted this role and the current flora
and fauna study is an integral part of the development of long-term management
strategies for these reserves.
Biosphere Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd
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