Magpie Hill Park, Lyneham surveys

The park is being cared for by the Friends of Magpie Hill. It is approximately 3 hectares and has mainly native mature trees (including remnants) and very little understorey. In years past the understorey has been more significant. There has been a community consultation in early 2020 sponsored by the Lyneham Community Association with funding from the ACT Government. The site includes a mix of remnant trees (some 100 years plus) and a number of planted trees. Woodland tree species include: Eucalyptus blakelyi, E.dives, E. macrorhyncha, E. mannifera, E. melliodora, E. pauciflora and E. polyanthemos. Despite an extended drought, overall the quality of the trees is good. However, there is a lack of understorey vegetation due to drought, compaction and mowing regimes. In the past, understorey plants like Bulbine bulbosa (Golden lily) and Arthropodium fimbriatum (Chocolate Lilies) have been, as well as species of Lomandra, Chrycocephalum, Wahlenbergia and Cassinia. There are also some patches of grassy weeds and some soil erosion. The Magpie Hill Park Care group is working with Urban Parks and Places to address some of the issues in the Park. For more information about the Friends of Magpie Hill contact: magpiehill@lyneham.org.au