Uambi Reserve

Uambi Reserve

Author: Trevor Pitkin

Uambi traces the changes in land use on what eventually became the reserve on Allens Road, Heathmont. In 1940 John and Joan Harper were drawn to the area by its naturalistic beauty, despite the period immediately before which characterised Heathmont as predominantly an orchard district.  They purchased Uambi and set about conserving its natural beauty and stands today as a representation of the vegetation from the area, as opposed to what grew within the confines of the 15-acre property. The family donated the land to Trust For Nature (TFN) in the late 1980s.

The booklet follows the earliest title holders who were mainly working in other districts well away from Ringwood, such as present-day Preston. Although known as farmers, little farming seems to have occurred, and it is not completely clear that even those following the pioneers did much with the place. Some claims related to harvesting of eucalyptus leaves for oil production by the Ingwersen family are examined and compared with leaf harvesting practices, concluding this was an unlikely activity.

Uambi was prepared by joint effort of AGHS and TFN.