About the area
Bluetts Block is amongst the best remaining large areas of high quality bushland in the inner-south of Canberra.Its varied habitats include Box-Gum Grassy Woodland, Dry Forest and Natural Temperate Grassland. Rocky outcrops abound. These environments allow for a high diversity of plants and animals, including many rare species. The area is also an important connectivity link for wildlife dispersing and moving across the ACT.
Located on the edge of the rapidly growing Molonglo Valley, Bluetts Block is already becoming an important recreation and educational area for local residents and others from all over the ACT. Hilltops within the Block provide commanding views of the mountains, surrounding country and nearby suburbs, adding to its attraction for walkers. However, it’s essential that we ensure that these increasing human activities have minimal impact on the area’s environmental values. This requires timely and responsible action from the ACT Government, developers, and from community organisations, including Friends of Bluetts Block.
What we do
The environmental integrity of Bluetts Block is subject to a number of threats including:
- A few areas have significant patches of invasive weeds
- Foxes, feral cats, pigs and deer impact native flora
- Large housing developements on two sides of the block will have a detrimental impact on valuable parts of the block, and risk introducing new weeds and damage from domestic animals
- Additional human traffic is inevitable, so we need to encourage responsible recreational use of the area
Friends of Bluetts Block has made recommendations for more environmentally sensitive housing development. We have asked the ACT Government to declare Bluetts Block a nature reserve, and to provide the resources necessary to support this. As the name “Bluetts Block” is only informal (i.e. not official) and misleading, we have recommended that the area be given an appropriate First Nations name following consultation with traditional owners.
Wildlife of Bluett’s
The diverse habitats of Bluetts Block are home for a wide variety of wildlife, including threatened and rare species. More than 150 species of birds and over 100 species of plants have been identified, as well as many mammal and insect species. Many of these are featured with stunning photos on the Bluetts Block Facebook page, and we encourage visitors to post their best photos taken at the Block. It’s also good to post photos of plants and animals at Bluetts on Canberra Nature Map
Please do not take dogs into Bluetts Block – their activities and scents disturb the mammals, birds and lizards that call it home. We’d like everyone to enjoy the peace and beauty of Bluetts Block, so we ask bike riders to kindly use the nearby Stromlo bike areas and leave this patch for foot traffic.
How to get there
Drive along Uriarra Road, about 3 km north of the Stromlo Leisure Centre roundabout. Look for the “BB” sign on the gate on your right. Parking is available near the gate, or if that’s full, there’s another carpark a little ahead on the opposite side of the road.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in making a difference! Whether you’re a local resident, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about our community, please get in touch using the form below.
Contact the Friends of Bluett’s Block directly