BACKGROUND

A Grey Headed Flying Fox Roosting Colony inhabits the Wetland area adajcent to the Bellbird Picnic Reserve, off the Yarra Boulevard.

 

This colony was an unexpected outcome in 2007 of the Government's plan to remove up to 20,000 of the creatures from Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens, due to the damage which they had been causing to the shrubs and plants there.

 

In 2002, a new roosting area at Horseshoe Bend, in the Wilson Reserve, Ivanhoe, adjacent to the Yarra, was constructed on a trial basis, with nesting boxes, feeding enclosures and extensive infrastructure being installed.

 

Unfortunately the Flying Foxes showed little interest in moving to their new home, and the Project was abandoned and closed in 2007.

 

The creatures chose to set up a new community in the Yarra Bend Park!

 

The Roosting Area is on the Flying Fox Wetland Walking Track, which starts at the eastern end of the Bellbird Picnic Reserve car park. IIlustrated Information Boards along the track describe the history, ecology. fauna and flora of the area - a fenced observation area offers interesting views of the creatures.