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One of my favourite nature escapes in Sydney is the Field of Mars Wildlife Reserve at East Ryde. It is located on 56 hectares, and includes a wide variety of plant species. The reserve attracts local wildlife including birds, possums, and wallabies.

I have memories of visiting the area around the Buffalo Creek reserve in high school to get an understanding of the importance of mangroves. The area has changed over the years, with urban development nudging closer. But the Field of Mars remains as a sanctuary for wildlife, and is an environmental educational centre for schools.

There is something about walking along the various tracks available in the reserve that provides a quick reconnection with the natural world. A boardwalk through the mangroves is surrounded by bushland on one side, and whilst the reeds and weeds thrive after heavy rain and warm weather, this also seems to attract various birds and insects.

Several trails are available, including the Saltmarsh and Warada Track. On a weekend, there are volunteers from the Ryde-Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society available to provide information and welcome visitors.

Each visit seems to offer a different experience, and there’s always a chance of seeing something new. The boardwalk loop is an easy starting point.

You can find more information about this hidden gem here, including footage of some tracks, and a brief history of the site. There are additional photos on an earlier post about walking along the Warada Track.

Have you had a nature discovery walk recently?

Photo: view of the boardwalk, Field of Mars Reserve