The charter of The National Trust of South Australia is to conserve natural and
cultural heritage for the people of South Australia. The Trust has had an active
interest in nature conservation since its inception in 1955. It was formed to help
protect the Adelaide Hills Face Zone from development and some of the first properties
donated to the Trust were nature reserves.
Since then The National Trust has acquired a total of 19 reserves
The conservation value of many of these areas has increased dramatically following
widespread land clearance for agriculture.
The National Trust manages these reserves to conserve their biodiversity. They contain:
- > a valuable diversity of plant communities.
- > a number of rare and threatened species.
- > sites of geological and of Aboriginal significance.
Thirteen of the reserves have Heritage Agreements awarded.
Eleven Riverland nature reserves are included in the Bookmark Biosphere.
The management of these reserves is overseen by the Natural Heritage Manager
through a volunteer network and is funded by:
- > membership subscriptions to the National Trust of South Australia.
- > donations and bequests.
- > State and Federal Government Grants.
- > sponsorship.
A sound reputation in nature conservation in South Australia has
been established by the National Trust
through its involvement in:
- > active restoration programs within its reserve system.
- > scientific documentation.
- > education and community programs.
- > advocacy.
Getting involved:
Volunteer working bees are held at most reserves during the year.
Volunteers assist in restoring bushland by removing weeds and pests,
putting up fencing where necessary and monitoring vegetation diversity and health.
The National Trust of South Australia follows the Minimum Disturbance Approach when
working in bushland. For more information download our working bee timetable or contact the
Natural Heritage Manager on 8212 1133.
