Uambi Reserve (Heathmont)

Uambi (pronounced “you-am-bee”) covers 3.744 hectares, the largest intact remnant of the original Heathmont bushland, and one of the largest remaining stands of Lowland Heath Forest in Metropolitan Melbourne.

It is an area of high biodiversity values. More than 187 plant species have been recorded here, one of which is considered endangered in Victoria. Elements of steep dry slopes, moist foothill forest, seepage sites, and lower floodplains are all present, making Uambi particularly rich in the diversity of its flora - an oasis surrounded by suburbia.

The canopy is dominated by Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) with scattered Thin-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) and Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha). Silver-leaf Stringybark (Eucalyptus cephalocarpa) is present along the edges of the gullies. The main understory trees are Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) and Blackwood.

There are low impact walking tracks that protect the vegetation while allowing people access into the reserve.