Melways Ref: 106 E3
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Paratea is an Aboriginal word meaning 'pretty flowers' and aptly describes this bushland reserve. Accorded regional significance for its botanical wealth, Paratea supports a wide variety of indigenous plants in an open eucalypt forest setting. It is at its most colourful from late winter to early summer. The many flowering plants attract a wide variety of native birds, making the reserve an excellent venue for bird watching.

Flora
Vegetation in the reserve is very diverse, with 131 native plant species, including 15 orchids, recorded.

The grassy open forest is dominated by eucalypts, mainly narrow-leaf peppermints, interspersed with manna gums, swamp gums, silver leaf stringybarks, and, most significantly snow gums. There are four indigenous wattles, with the golden blossom of the clumpy hedge wattle providing contrast to the delicate cream flowers of the stately blackwood. Other trees and shrubs include cherry ballart, black sheoak, common correa and silver banksia. The lower shrub layer contains many examples of the lily, pea and orchid families. Again, contrasting colours strike the eye. There are pink-bells, blue pincushions, pink grass trigger plants and yellow bulbine lilies, while the experienced observer will spot a variety of small native orchids. native creepers, climbers, ferns, sedges and grasses are also well represented in the reserve.

Fauna
Of the 81 native bird species recorded for the area, all but the seabirds and waders frequent the reserve, for nesting, resting or feeding. The yellow robins, blue wrens, eastern rosellas, grey fantails, thornbills, shrike thrushes, and various honeyeaters are among the year-round residents. Prickly plants such as hedge wattle, prickly moses and sweet bursaria provide the little bush birds with a safe refuge from predators.

Paratea is home to a number of native mammals. Brushtail and ringtail possums still abound, swamp rats share habitat with the introduced black rat, eEchidnas are still quite common and sugar gliders are present in the surrounding area. Snakes, especially copperheads and tiger snakes, can be seen basking in the open grassy areas in summer. Whilst they will retreat rapidly if they feel the vibrations of your footfalls, they are a reminder to keep to the paths provided. Skinks, frogs, bats and butterflies add to the fascinating fauna of this bushland haven.

Management Issues
Environmental weeds are an ongoing problem in the reserve. Sallow wattle has posed the greatest threat since its establishment in the 1970s. Despite persistent efforts at removal, constant vigilance is required. Sweet pittosporum, wandering jew, English ivy, bluebell creeper and various species of broom are among the bushland weeds which have seeded in from surrounding properties.

A number of introduced mammals, especially foxes and wandering cats and dogs, threaten native species in the reserve. As well as killing native species, they carry the seeds of low growing weeds on their coats.

Caring for the Reserve
Council maintain the reserve with assistance from the Mt Eliza Association for Environmental Care, however, a specific Friends Group to care for the reserve is needed.

How You Can Help
Consider removing environmental weeds from your garden as birds can spread their seeds for many kilometres.

If you own a pet, please prevent it from straying into the reserve. If you see anyone dumping rubbish in the reserve please contact Council's Local Laws Department on 1300 322 322.

If you are interested in joining a "Friends Group" contact Council's Conservation Officer on 1300 322 322.

History
The land for this reserve was acquired in 1929 and 1932. The reserve was known for many years as Clippertons Reserve, named after the previous owner of the land.

In the early 1960s a small area of the southern section of the reserve was cleared for the Paratea Pre-School. During this time a small area was also cleared in the northern section for a pony club which was of short duration. Another cleared area was used for over 20 years by the "Bowmen of Frankston", until their relocation to Baxter Park in 1986.

A further two hectares were cleared for possible active recreation facilities in 1976, however, this proposal was abandoned following public protest.

In response to recommendations by Mt Eliza Association for Environmental Care the reserve was designated a flora and fauna reserve by Frankston City Council in 1981. The reserve's name was changed in 1986 from "Clippertons" to "Paratea".

Facilities and Activities
A network of walking tracks are provided in the reserve and passive recreational activities such as walking, bird observing, plant identification, nature appreciation and photography are encouraged.

Special Features
This reserve contains one of the best intact examples of native grassland in the district.

Also significant are two small stands of white sallee (lowland form of snow gum) This tree is now rare on the peninsula and is commonly associated with the grey crowned babbler, a bird currently facing extinction on the peninsula due to loss of habitat.

Location and Access
The reserve is 7.6 hectares and is located in Frankston South. Access is via Paratea Avenue, which divides the reserve into two sections, and Rosedale Grove.