Browns Nature Reserve

Browns Nature Reserve, formerly farmland from c.1919, and today consisting of 3.3 hectares of open grassy woodland, is of significance. It retains its early twentieth century house and this is also of significance.

How is it significant?

Browns Nature Reserve is of local historic, social, aesthetic and scientific significance to the City of Banyule.

Why is it significant?

Browns Nature Reserve is historically significant for its long and continuous operation as a farm for much of the twentieth century. This significance is enhanced by the retention of the original farmhouse on the site, enabling public appreciation of this history. (Criterion A)

The house is also historically significant as a survivor of physical relocation necessitated by the development of Australian Paper Mills on its site in Alphington / Fairfield in 1919. It is not known how many other relocated houses survive today. (Criterion A)

Browns Nature Reserve is historically significant as the home of long-serving Eltham Infant Welfare Sister Alma Brown, who lived on the site until her death. (Criterion H)

Browns Nature Reserve is socially significant as a place of passive recreation for the local community. This is demonstrated by the formation of a Friends group, installation of information boards, construction of paths, a bridge and seating,and erection of art works throughout the Reserve. (Criterion G)

Browns Nature Reserve is of aesthetic significance for its landscape qualities, created by a combination of hilly open grassland and eucalypt woodland, picturesque stream, seasonally visible wildflowers, and early farmhouse with garden nestled on a hillside. Views to the north-east across the valley to the grassy hillside beyond are particularly evocative. (Criterion E)

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Reserve