Email: katandrainfo@gmail.com
Katandra is open to visitors 10am to 4pm every Sunday from July to October (inclusive). Group visits can be organised at alternative times. Please visit the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary website for more information.
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary is situated in on the face of the Ingleside escarpment, overlooking the Warriewood Valley and the seaside suburb of Pittwater's Mona Vale. The land presently comprising the Sanctuary was part of a grant in 1859 to a Robert McIntosh of Botany. It changed hands in 1885, and again in 1913 when a sub-division was effected.
Twenty-five acres was purchased by Roseville businessman, Harold Alfred Seymour, on December 3rd, 1946.
The name 'Katandra' originates in Victoria, where it is said to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning 'birdsong - song of the birds' or 'a hunting area', but Mr Seymour was unlikely to be aware of that.
Mr Seymour took up residence on his land, living first out of his car, later in a succession of army-surplus huts, before having a brick and stone cottage built.
He delighted in his surroundings, enjoying both the native flora and fauna, including the 'Koala', still to be seen. He also loved to share his 'bushland' with friends, taking them for long rambles through the undergrowth, as initially there were no paths to follow. He became well respected for his knowledge of indigenous flora, thus earning the friendship and support of people well known in the world of natural history and conservation.
Harold was also among the growing band of local Honorary Rangers:
WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS PROTECTION ACT, 1927-1945.
Appointment of Honorary Rangers.
THE undermentioned persons have been appointed as Honorary Rangers for the purposes of this Act:—
Edward Selwyn Holmes, 18 Queens-avenue, Avalon Beach; Katherine St. George Holmes, 18 Queens-avenue, Avalon Beach; Edward Gordon Sellers, "Deerholt", Plateau-road, Avalon; Audrey Enid Sellers, "Deerholt", Plateau-road, Avalon; Arthur Eric Brown, "Wirrabilla", Hill-top road, Clareville; Saidee Kathleen Brown, "Wirrabilla", Hill-top road, Clareville; Harrie Humphreys, 74 Avalon-parade, Avalon; Marjorie Ethel Humphreys, 74 Avalon-parade, Avalon; Allan McDonald Warden, 63 Avalon-parade, Avalon; Isabella Olive Warden, 63 Avajon-parade, Avalon; Percy Robert Hillier, 7 George-street, Avalon; William August Miller, Paradise-avenue, Paradise Beach; William James McDonald, Avalon-parade, Avalon; Harold Alfred Seymour, Old Gordon-road, Foley's Hill, Mona Vale; Reginald William Squire, "Aranui", Cabarita-road, Clareville Beach; Herbert Strickland Rice, "Lorne", Riverview-road, Clareville.
(872) J. B. RENSHAW, Minister for Local Government.
WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS PROTECTION ACT, 1927-1945. (1955, May 6). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1254. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220300810
However, Mr. Seymour went one better than this. Alarmed at the advancing tide of settlement, in 1964, Harold offered eighteen acres of his land as a gift to the people of NSW to establish a wildlife reserve for the promotion, study and preservation of native flora and fauna. He chose the name ‘Katandra’ - meaning ‘song of birds’ - and with a band of friends and supporters formed the ‘Katandra Bushland Club’.
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary is almost free of any invasive weeds and features rainforest remnants, creeks meandering through fern-ringed pools, and more than 350 types of flora and fauna.
Four classes of vertebrates are represented in the Sanctuary: mammals (Mammalia), birds (Aves), reptiles (Reptilia) and amphibians (Amphibia). Katandra is home to the Eastern Pygmy Possum. The Eastern Pygmy Possum, Certcartetus nanus, is listed as endangered in New South Wales.
The list of flora Katandra is home to is available at: katandrabushlandsanctuary.com/full-flora-list
Eastern Pygmy Possum at Katandra Sanctuary, 2021
The Katandra Bushland Sanctuary was officially gazetted as Reserve No 86487 on 6th October 1967. Seven Trustees responsible for the management of the sanctuary were appointed in 1968. The first President of the Trust was Mr R H Anderson, Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
Katandra was officially opened by then Minister for Lands, the Hon. Tom Lewis on September 8th 1968.
Harold Seymour (front) at the official handover of his land to the NSW Government with then Minister for Lands Tom Lewis (1968). Photo: courtesy Seymour Family Albums
The Hon. Thomas Lancelot Lewis AO (23 January 1922 – 25 April 2016) was a New South Wales politician, the 33rd Premier of New South Wales and minister in the cabinets of Sir Robert Askin and Sir Eric Willis. He became Premier following Askin's retirement from politics and held the position until he was replaced by Willis in a party vote.
Mr. Lewis was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for the Electoral district of Wollondilly for the Liberal Party in 1957, and served until his resignation in 1978.
He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia on 26 January 2000 "For service to the Parliament of New South Wales, to the environment as the founder of the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, and to the community".
Mike Baird (former State MP for Manly and Premier) stated in a Tribute to the NSW Parliament on his passing:
''When the Coalition came to power in 1965, the new Premier, Bob Askin, appointed Tom Lewis to the Lands and Mines portfolios. He ranked only 10 out of 15 in Cabinet, yet it was over the next few years that he was to make his greatest contributions to public policy in New South Wales. When Tom worked in the United States of America after the war (WWII), he saw first-hand the work of the National Park Service in American conservation parks, such as the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. He was struck by the passion of the park rangers, their pride in their role and their uniforms.
Tom saw these uniforms as a symbol of quality, a brand that children, families, and visitors respected and recognised when they visited these precious natural assets. Tom wanted people to visit and get to know these places in New South Wales too because he knew that when people visited and loved a national park they were more likely to look after it and to develop a love for caring for their environment. So it was Tom Lewis, when presented with the opportunity as a junior Minister, who created our New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, and its smartly uniformed and very recognisable parks officers. He forever remained a great advocate for our environment. As his stepson, Phillip Lewis, said eloquently at the State funeral last week, "Tom was not what most would call an environmentalist, but he loved and cared for the bush".
Tom had immense belief in the long-term value of conservation. He also was determined that our national parks system should represent a wide variety of our New South Wales ecosystems, not just the glamorous show stoppers like our coastal areas and the Blue Mountains. His time in remote South Australia and far western New South Wales had given him a deep love and knowledge of the terrain, vegetation and animal life of these environments. Tom believed they were no less important to our heritage and our scientific knowledge than the picture postcard parks. He exercised courageous and far-sighted leadership to guarantee some of our Western Division landscape was included under the national parks system.
Tom also was instrumental in establishing the Western Plains Zoo, in the Deputy Premier's beautiful electorate of Dubbo. ...''
The Rules and Regulations for Katandra Bushland Sanctuary, including appointing Trustees, were published in a July 1970 edition of the NSW Government Gazette:
Sydney, 3rd July, 1970.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RESERVE No. 86487 FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE MUD If AND THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA AT MONA VALE, KNOWN AS THE KATANDRA BUSHLAND SANCTUARY
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, having approved of the following rules and regulations made by the trustees in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, for the management of Reserve No, 86487, for the Promotion of the Study and the Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna, notified 27th October, 1967, at Mona Vale, such rules and regulations are hereby published for public information. (Pks 66-2419)
T. L. LEWIS, Minister for Lands.
1. In these rules and regulations "sanctuary" means Reserve No. 86487 at Mona Vale notified 27th October, 1967, for the promotion of the study and the preservation of native flora and fauna, area 18 acres 2 roods 14 3/4 perches, known as The Katandra Bushland Sanctuary and "trustees" means the trustees for the time being of the said reserve.
2. Meetings of the trustees shall be held when convened by the president or requested in writing to the secretary by any three trustees.
3. The annual general meeting shall be held in the month of March in each year. The trustees shall at that meeting elect from their members, a president and vice-president who shall, unless they sooner cease to hold those offices or to be trustees, hold office until they are re-elected or their successors are elected at the next annual general meeting.
4. If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of president or vice-president the trustees shall at the first meeting of the trustees held next after the occurrence of the casual vacancy elect from their members a president or vice-president, as the case may be, who shall, unless he sooner ceases to hold office or to be a trustee, hold office until he is re-elected or his successor is elected at the next annual general meeting.
5. At every meeting of the trustees the president or, in his absence, the vice-president, shall preside as chairman, but if both the president and vice-president are absent, the trustees present shall elect a person from amongst their number to preside as chairman. Any person presiding as chairman shall have a deliberative and casting vote.
6. No resolution passed at any meeting shall be rescinded unless at least seven days' notice has been given and entered upon a notice of meeting sent to each trustee.
7. The secretary shall keep a proper record of the proceedings of each meeting.
8. ALL moneys received in connection with the sanctuary shall be paid into a bank to the credit of an account in the name of the trustees of the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary and cheques drawn upon the account shall be signed by any two trustees. Any one of the trustees may endorse cheques for payment to the credit of the account of the trustees.
9. A complete statement of accounts duly audited in a competent manner shall be presented to the annual general meeting of the trustees.
10. The trustees shall appoint annually a secretary and such other officers as they deem necessary, and the appointment to any vacancy in any such office shall be made at the meeting held next after the occurrence of such vacancy.
11. The trustees may appoint rangers and honorary rangers to patrol and protect the sanctuary.
12. The appointed rangers and honorary rangers or other employees of the trustees, may be granted authority in writing by the trustees to remove, or be at liberty to call in the aid of the police to remove, any person causing annoyance or inconvenience in the sanctuary.
13. A person shall not obstruct or interfere with any trustee, ranger or other employee of the trustees or with any honorary ranger while in the execution of his duty and whilst within the sanctuary shall observe all reasonable directions issued by any trustee, ranger, honorary ranger, or other employee of the trustees.
14. A person reasonably suspected by any trustee, ranger, honorary ranger, or other employee of the trustees of having committed any offence or breach of these rules and regulations shall upon demand by such trustee, ranger, honorary ranger or employee give his correct name and address.
15. A person shall not enter or be within the sanctuary except at such times as the trustees may determine and indicate by such means as they may from time to time determine.
16. A person shall not enter the sanctuary except by way of the entrance gates.
17. The trustees may from time to time close any portion of the sanctuary to the public and no person shall enter any such portion of the sanctuary unless authorised by the trustees.
18. A person under the age of 16 years shall not enter or remain within the sanctuary unless accompanied by an adult.
19. A person shall not enter or remain within the sanctuary unless suitably clad to the satisfaction of the trustees or their duly authorized officer.
20. The trustees may make charges for admission to the sanctuary and exclude the public therefrom except on payment of such charges, such charges to be indicated by a notice exhibited in a conspicuous place near the entrance to the sanctuary.
21. A person shall not within the sanctuary:
(a) collect specimens of any plant or part thereof or remove any bird, animal, reptile, insect or other thing organic or inorganic: Provided that the trustees or a duly authorized officer may grant permission to scientific workers to collect specimens or to refer to any collection or library of the trustees. Such permission may be refused, or if granted may be upon such terms and conditions as the trustees think fit and may at any time be withdrawn.
(b) remove, destroy or damage any tree, shrub, fern, creeper, vine, palm, plant, flower, herbage or vegetative cover remove, destroy, injure or disturb any animal, bird, fish or any other fauna or bird's nest or animal resting place.
(c) bathe in the waters of any tank, spring, waterhole or pool, or cleanse any dish, cooking or eating utensil, cloth, or other object in such waters.
(d) deposit, discharge, leave or cause to be deposited, discharged or left any litter, rubbish, dirt, offal, dung, dead animal or other objectionable matter.
(e) deposit, discharge, leave or cause to be deposited, discharged or left any rubbish except in the receptacles provided.
(f) deposit any glass container or object of similar material likely to occasion risk of fire or injury to persons or property.
(g) light, maintain or use any fire except in accordance with the Bush Fires Act, 1949, and in accordance with any additional conditions specified in notices displayed in the sanctuary by the trustees.
(h) erect any hoarding, display or distribute any advertising material of any kind, or sell or attempt to sell any goods.
(i) park or leave any vehicle except in an area set aside by the trustees for the purpose and indicated by such means as they may from time to time determine.
(j) unless so authorised by the trustees, have in his possession or use any axe, saw or similar tool or implement; any firearm or other lethal weapon or any trap of any kind whatsoever.
(k) without the permission of the trustees, address any public meeting or assemblage of persons.
(l) interfere with any instrument or equipment, write, carve, draw or scratch upon or otherwise deface any tree, sign or other property.
(m) use any part thereof for playing games, sport, or camping, or use any part for bush walking other than on paths specially provided for public use, or for picnicking, other than on the areas allotted for such uses by the trustees.
(n) have in his possession or leave therein any plant whatsoever whether indigenous or not without the express prior permission of the trustees.
(o) have in his possession or leave therein any dog, cat or other animal.
(p) depasture any stock.
(q) confine in pens or cages any animal, bird or reptile.
22. The trustees may allow the Katandra Bushland Club or any person or persons the use of the sanctuary for any scientific or cultural purpose subject to such conditions as the trustees may impose, and such use may include the use of buildings, water supplies and of all other conveniences in the sanctuary without charge.
23. Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prevent the trustees from authorizing the destruction within the sanctuary of any noxious weed or, subject to the Fauna Protection Act, 1948, of any birds or animals which have assumed pest proportions or are required for scientific purposes.
24. Drawings, paintings, photographs or the like in any form or depiction of any natural object or any feature in the sanctuary or of any view to be seen in or from the sanctuary may be made only provided no departure is made from recognised pathways and no damage is occasioned to any flora, fauna, natural object or feature of the sanctuary. The trustees may levy a charge for commercial reproduction of any object or view in or from the sanctuary whether on a royalty basis or otherwise and may require that due acknowledgment in terms as directed by the trustees or their authorised officer be made on such reproduction or in such other manner as they may direct.
25. Any person committing a breach of these rules and regulations shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding one hundred dollars. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RESERVE No. 86487 FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE STUDY AND THE PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA AT MONA VALE, KNOWN AS THE KATANDRA BUSHLAND SANCTUARY (1970, July 3). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2652. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220161902
Harold Seymour later sold a further five acres to the Crown for addition to the Sanctuary, to which the NSW Government added some adjacent Crown Land and unmade Road Reserve, so that the reserve now covers approximately 28 acres - or 12 hectares.
The Katandra Bushland Club is now known as the Friends of Katandra and has continued its support of the Sanctuary into the 21st Century.
Harold Seymour died at Katandra on 16th December, 1987, the eve of his 94th birthday.
Family members maintain an active role n caring for the Sanctuary. Harold’s great-nephew David Seymour chairs the Trust and his mother Ruth, now in her mid-80s, is actively involved and contributing to the care of the reserve.
Sydney, 10th October, 1969
IT is Hereby notified that, in accordance with the provisions of section 26 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act 1913, the undermentioned ladies and gentlemen are hereby appointed as trustees of the portions of lands hereafter particularised.
T. L. Lewis, Minister for Lands.
Reserve No. 86487 at Mona Vale, Parish Narrabeen, County Cumberland, notified 27th October, 1967, for Promotion of the Study and the Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna and known as "Katandra Bushland Sanctuary": Frank William Whiddon and Donald James Seymour (in the places of R. H. Anderson and E. L. Gordon-Baker, retired). Pks 66-906. Government Gazette Appointments and Employment (1969, October 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4103. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220033226
Sydney, 30th March, 1972.
IT is hereby notified that, in accordance with the provisions of section 26 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the undermentioned persons are hereby appointed as trustees of the portions of land hereinafter particularised.
T. L. LEWIS, Minister for Lands.
Reserve 86487 at Mona Vale, Parish Narrabeen, County Cumberland, Land District Metropolitan, notified 27th October, 1967, for Promotion of the Study and the Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna and known as Katandra Bushland Sanctuary: Ronald Alfred Seymour, as an additional trustee. Pks 72-110. Government Gazette Notices (1972, March 30). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1125. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220043205
Members of the trust as of this date are:
David Seymour (Chairman), *Roberta Conroy, *Julie Emerson, Peter Hammond, David James, Marita Macrae, David Malin.
KATANDRA BUSHLAND SANCTUARY TRUST
PO Box 485 Mona Vale NSW 1660
President: David Seymour
Vice-President: Roberta Conroy OAM
Secretary: David Seymour
Treasurer: Peter Hammond
Minutes Secretary: Julie Emerson OAM
Bushland News Editors: Marita Macrae OAM and David Seymour
*Commencing a 5-year term in 2019, Roberta Conroy and Julie Emerson were appointed as volunteer board members. The group of volunteers meet at a timber yurt on the site that doubles as a visitor centre. The many volunteers help monitor the site, helping to quickly address issues such as illegal dumping of building materials, controlling access, and clearing weeds.
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary
by David Seymour
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary began its 2013 open season on Sunday 7th July with a new bridge along its walking track replacing the bridge destroyed by a fallen tree last year. The bridge is one of two that spans the gully across Katandra Creek. The walking track remained closed at this point for much of last year while the task of removing the twisted remains of the old bridge and building the replacement was organised and carried out.
Built in 1992, these bridges were officially named the “Villani – Polglase Bridges” in recognition of the funding support provided by long-time supporters of Katandra Jeanne Villani and Pamela Polglase. Jeanne and Pamela had opened their home gardens to the public with funds raised being passed on to Katandra to help with the cost of materials.
The construction was done by volunteers from the “Friends of Katandra” with help from the West Killara Venturer Scouts.
The work on the new replacement bridge was done by a local company “The Gardenmakers” as the overall task, which included cutting away the fallen tree, was considered too dangerous and difficult to be attempted by volunteers.
This gully is one of the most beautiful and peaceful sections of the Sanctuary where the creek winds its way down the gully, fringed by rainforest trees, cabbage tree palms and ferns. It is an area where echidnas have been seen and where the lyrebirds can be
regularly spotted scratching their way through the leaf litter looking for food.
The mass of branches and logs that remains behind in the gully serves as a reminder of the event which saw a giant rough-barked eucalyptus tree fall, also bringing down a large casuarina tree. Both trees fell across the first section of the bridge, totally destroying it and damaging the handrails of the second section. This occurred at a time when the Sanctuary was closed so no visitors were in any danger. The tree appears to have been healthy so it is possible that the fall was due to the waterlogged state of the ground due to heavy rain at the time.
There is a plaque in the Sanctuary with the inscription “Katandra Bushland Sanctuary – a bounteous gift to naturalists from Harold Seymour”.
Katandra is now owned by the NSW Lands Department and administered by a voluntary Trust. A small but active group of volunteers maintain the sanctuary, removing weeds and keeping the walking track cleared.
This 2.5 km track winds its way through a remarkable range of habitats, from moist rainforest to tall open forest, open woodlands and wet heathland, while also passing an ironstone cave with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites.
A shortcut cut track can reduce this to about 1.5 km for those not up to making the full distance. Surveys have identified over 350 species of flora and fauna within the Sanctuary which also acts as an important corridor linking bushland areas to along the Warriewood Escarpment to the south with Bayview and Ku-ring-gai National Park to the north. Eucalypts, casuarinas, turpentines and angophoras form the canopy whilst the understorey houses a wealth of flora. During the Spring months, Katandra bursts into colour with a display of wildflowers.
Katandra, an aboriginal word meaning “the song of birds”, is open to the public every Sunday from July to October, 10am to 4pm. Entry is by donation of $3 or more. Located on Foley’s Hill, it is accessed from Lane Cove Road, Ingleside, off Mona Vale Road.
Grants from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) in 2020–2021 have helped to cover the costs of upkeep and improvements, such as repairs to the yurt and a timber bridge. The reserve also received a grant for a defibrillator in 2022. The CLM hopes to seek further funding to install solar power and use QR codes in future to enable donations via mobile phones.
There is more we all can do though:
How you can support Katandra: Friends of Katandra
The Friends of Katandra assist the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust in caring for Katandra. The Friends meet three times a year at the sanctuary. Each Friend receives a copy of Katandra's quarterly newsletter - the Bushland News.
If you would like to join the Friends of Katandra mail list, contact us by entering your details at the bottom of the home page on the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary website.
Donations help with the ongoing maintenance of the Sanctuary and are most gratefully accepted. Donations can be made by direct deposit using the bank details below -
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust account
BSB 082 132 Acc. No. 509347998
Alternatively you could print the Friends of Katandra form and send it together with your donation to: -
The Secretary
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust
PO Box 485 Mona Vale NSW 1660
Sanctuary Maintenance (3rd Sunday March – November)
Volunteers are needed. If you can assist with weeding, or welcoming visitors to Katandra on open days please phone 0431 857 407. Although our Open Season starts in July, the planning starts well before hand. Katandra’s Volunteers and Friends are invited to help with opening the Sanctuary to the public every Sunday in July, August, September and October 10am - 4pm.
Today and next Sunday, October 27 2024, coincidentally the same day 57 years ago since this Bushland Sanctuary was 'officially notified' as having been bequeathed by Mr. Seymour, are the last days for this Season of open days.
However, as stated above, Group Visits can be organised at alternative times.
One upcoming example for study purposes is:
October 26 Saturday 7pm to about 9pm: Katandra Bushland Sanctuary By Night.
We will check out nocturnal activity in Katandra’s forest.
Will we see fire-flies as we did last year? Be sure to bring a torch and wear boots.
Please RSVP for these activities to pnhainfo@gmail.com including your mobile number for catering purposes and so we can contact you in case of doubtful weather.
The reserve managers of the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary have shown it is possible to balance the business of encouraging access, visits, and the enjoyment of the site, while ensuring the precious area isn’t adversely affected by nearby residential and business developments or new roads.
Their efforts have been rewarded with the preservation and enhancement of habitats including; rainforest, woodlands, and heathland, which act as bushland links to the south along the Warriewood escarpment and north towards the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
They have also provided a sanctuary for many endemic wildlife 'critters' as well.
A few photos of works and flora and fauna photographed in Katandra Bushland Sanctuary by David Seymour and Marita Macrae.
Reconstruction
The new bridge
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Powerful Owl
Native Fuchsia
Diamond Python
Epacris Longiflora
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Grey Spider Flower
Copper-tailed skink
Boronia
Swamp Wallaby
Nodding Greenhood Orchid Flannel Flowers
