Discover Maslin Reserve: A Natural Treasure Near Bridgetown
Maslin Reserve, covering 49 hectares, is a vital bushland area amidst a landscape largely cleared for farming and housing. Located just a short drive from Bridgetown's center, this reserve offers a glimpse into the region's natural heritage.
Originally established in 1923 as a timber resource for settlers, the reserve was heavily logged and mined for gravel, leaving it extensively damaged. By the 1960s, all remaining Jarrah trees were cut down, leaving only mature Marris standing. Plans to clear the reserve for an airstrip were later abandoned due to inadequate space.
Local residents grew fond of the reserve and its wildflowers, leading to a successful petition and campaign by the "Friends of the Forest" group. In 1993, the reserve was officially designated for "Parkland and Recreation" and preserved in its natural state.
Despite past damage, Maslin Reserve maintains a rich shrub layer of Banksia and Balga, along with a well-preserved understorey. A survey by the Blackwood Environment Society recorded over 160 plant species, including trigger plants, orchids, peas, wattles, native buttercups, small perennial herbs, native grasses, and sedges.
Springtime brings a spectacular display of wildflowers, particularly the reserve’s ten or more orchid species such as Greenhoods, Bunny Orchids, Cowslips, Pink Fairy, Donkey, Spider Orchids, and Sun Orchids.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot various animal species in the reserve. Notable birds include Baudin's Cockatoo, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, and the Masked Owl. Mammals like Brush-tailed Possums, Chudditch, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Quenda, and Brush-tailed Wallaby inhabit the area, along with reptiles such as the Dugite, King's Skink, Bobtail, and Black-tailed Monitor.
For maps and more information, pick up a Walk Trails booklet from the Visitor Centre. Enjoy your visit to Maslin Reserve and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bridgetown
see the google map link here