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Sherbrooke Forest Area

Location SHERBROOKE VIC 3789 - Property No L10113 File Number L10113 Level State

[1/1] L10113 Little Falls Creek

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

Sherbrooke Forest is an 800ha remnant of the original Dandenong and Woori Yallock State Forest reserved in 1867. The area's Aboriginal name is 'Corhannwarrabul' meaning a desirable and attractive place with many birds and kangaroo. Despite the impact of logging and bushfires the forest contains a varied age open forest including mature stands of Mountain ash (up to 175 years old) and fern gullies of great beauty. It contains a wide range of fauna reliant on this forest type, in particular a population of Superb Lyrebirds (Menura superba). Vistas of landscape within and beyond the Forest are an important part of the visitor experience. Sherbrooke forest has also been socially important in terms of forestry, tourism, and education and as a source of inspiration for artists.

How is it significant?

Sherbrooke Forest is highly significant for its history, aesthetic qualities, scientific importance for its flora and fauna and its social and cultural value at State level.

Why is it significant?

Sherbrooke Forest is notable as a remnant of a much larger area of reserved forest in the Dandenongs. Its history reflects the impact of European exploration and early exploitation for timber and farming and failed social experiments in rural settlement in the 1890's. The surviving stands of Mountain Ash forest and deep fern gullies shelter a wide variety of plants and animals including the Superb Lyrebird. The forest also demonstrates varied age stands the result of wildfire at different times over the past 200 years. It also contains examples of reforestation where burnt areas were planted to conifers by pupils from the local schools. Aesthetically the forest has been used as inspiration by artists and writers. Significant views are obtained both within into and beyond the forest. It also is actively used for research and education purposes by universities and in the past by CSIRO. Sherbrooke Forest is highly regarded as a tourist destination and on going management has provided opportunity for active community participation through Friends groups.