Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is a spectacular 9 hectare sample of the subtropical lowland forest that once covered much of the Manning River valley. A tangle of towering Moreton Bay figs and vines the undergrowth features rarities like the giant stinging tree. Located on a town block in Wingham in the Manning Valley NSW, this well looked after reserve with its boardwalks is refuge for a large range of birds and home for Grey-headed Flying Foxes.
This small patch of bush, dominated by giant Moreton Bay figs, is looking healthy despite the recent years of drought, perhaps benefiting from its proximity to the Manning River.
The reserve was at one time logged for red cedar and by 1980 was badly infested with weeds. Through the efforts of the Wingham Brush regeneration team the rainforest has returned to a natural state. The pioneering methods used to do this are now recognized internationally as the “The Wingham Brush method”.
Thousands of bats roost in the reserve; predominantly the Grey-headed Flying Fox (pictured) but also the rarer Little Red and Black Flying Fox.
The Russet-tailed Thrush is found in wet eucalypt forest and rainforest of eastern Australia. It is distinguished from its cousin, the Bassian Thrush by the larger white tip on its outermost tail feathers (not really visible here), its shorter tail and the more coppery colouration of its back.
Persons unknown evidently introduced the Australian Brush-turkey to this site and it has flourished in the healthy bush environment.