Scott Creek Conservation Park reopens to the public

The park was severely impacted by last January’s Cherry Gardens fire, which burnt more than two thirds of the park. Following the fire, the park was closed for public safety with recovery actions beginning soon afterwards.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot, with its heath vegetation providing core habitat for the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot and chestnut-rumped heathwren, nationally vulnerable bassian thrush, 10 species of nationally listed plants and many other threatened flora and fauna.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Executive Director Mike Williams said it was very pleasing to see the park reopen.

“There’s been a number of people who have helped us get to this stage, and I’d like to thank them all for their help, in particular the Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park, who have worked closely together with NPWS staff to undertake recovery works in the reserve,” he said.

“The Friends of Scott Creek have played an integral role, having undertaken a significant effort towards recovery of habitat spending many hours on the ground removing, treating, monitoring and planning weed control as well as monitoring and contributing to the management of listed plant species.

“While the park is now reopen there’s still a lot of work which continues in helping vulnerable and threatened species of animals and plants within the park to recover and recolonise the fire scar.

“As part of this recovery process, a new monitoring program was launched last year to monitor threatened species such as the southern brown bandicoot, the chestnut-rumped heathwren and bassian thrush.

“Weed management also remains a key focus on-park, with extensive areas of the park being restored to excellent condition.

“However weed seed banks remain in the soil and will have been triggered by the fire, so this will remain an ongoing focus.”

Scott Creek Conservation Park is located 30 kilometres south of Adelaide, it can be accessed via Dorset Vale Road or Scott Creek Road, Scott Creek. The park is open daily.

To find out more visit www.parks.sa.gov.au