Urban bushland reconnaissance survey: Havelock Street Reserve, Launceston

摘要

As urban populations continue to grow so does the urban landscape, typically leaving behind a loose network of small, unplanned and disconnected remnant natural green spaces. These spaces do not have the profile of the larger national parks and reserves, and so do not gain the attention that they deserve. Yet, they are valued by the community, and valuable to the community, for various reasons, including 1) preserving local biodiversity and protecting important populations or rare species, 2) creating stepping stones or corridors for natural populations, 3) mitigating environmental changes, 4) connecting people with nature and providing environmental education, 5) providing ecosystem services, 6) fulfilling ethical responsibilities, and 7) improving human well-being (Dearborn & Kark 2009). Because of their small size, and being surrounded by housing, these green spaces are under extra pressure, including misuse or inappropriate management practices that can negatively impact species diversity. Part of the solution is to better understand their natural values, and educate users and land managers about their importance and benefits, In this paper we provide an example of a reconnaissance survey of a typical bushland reserve and the resulting increased understanding of its natural values.