Warrenheip Recreation Reserve

This project was driven by the passion, knowledge and enthusiasm of Committee 4 Warrenheip and the local community.

The masterplan presents an ambitious vision for a community open-space hub, including a half-court, nature playground, picnic shelter and BBQ area, native bushfoods and sensory garden, an extensive path network and indigenous revegetation.

A low-lying wetland at the reserve’s northern end provides habitat for migratory Latham’s Snipe, which breed in Japan before arriving in Australia for the warmer months. Working with local naturalist Roger Thomas and Fed Uni researcher Dr Brigita Hansen, we developed a detailed understanding of the birds’ habitat needs. A rare and threatened plant species was also identified during the design process.

The design balances habitat protection with community recreation, maintaining a 70-metre buffer between the wetland and active or passive recreation areas. Key recommendations include enhancing shallow ephemeral wetlands with bare wet mud and varied low vegetation to support Latham’s Snipe.

The masterplan will inform the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance guidelines and be featured in Melbourne Water’s Snipe habitat guidelines.