The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is the Bellarine Peninsula’s largest remaining patch of non-coastal indigenous vegetation.
The 143-hectare site is home to more than 300 plant and 200 animal species. It’s also an important habitat for several threatened species, including the Bellarine Yellow Gum, a rare tree species only found between Torquay and the Bellarine.
The reserve is adjacent to a mix of commercial, residential and acreage properties and is a popular place for locals and visitors to exercise, explore and enjoy nature.
Forest Fire Management Victoria works with The Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, Parks Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria and the local CFA brigade to manage fuel loads and enhance the ecological health of the reserve.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Turner said mulching, slashing and planned burning are among the tools used to reduce fuel loads, provide a buffer to nearby properties, and create healthy ecosystems.
'We’ve determined these methods as the most effective to reduce fuels in the reserve, as they allow crews to target specific species and protect larger trees,' Mr Turner said.
'It’s helped restore sections of the reserve from shrubby undergrowth into open grassy woodland, which in turn supports an increase in biodiversity.'
Since 2015, five planned burns have been completed at the reserve. Low intensity, cooler, high frequency burns have the important outcomes of promoting ecological health and resilience while removing fuel hazards.
Mulching began in 2018 to restore the reserve’s open woodland structure that existed pre-settlement. This structure encourages a greater diversity of plant species while making planned burns easier and safer to conduct.
Slashing is competed annually, prior to the bushfire season, as part of fire preparedness works and to support ecological health and restoration.
The Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is a dedicated group of volunteers who value the reserve for its diverse flora and fauna.
The reserve was established in the 1960s, and in the years since, passionate groups of volunteers have advocated for the space.
Today, the active group works to manage and protect the ecological values of the reserve and engage with the community on the reserve’s natural values.
Some of their activities include tree planting and weeding, as well as specialist talks and guided walks through the reserve.
Peter Sullivan from the Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve said one of the group’s objectives is to support the reserve’s return to its pre-settlement state as an open, grassy woodland.
'One of the things that we really want to preserve is the diversity within the reserve, not just plants but native fauna as well,' he said.
'Monitoring is also really important so that we document what we’re doing and what the results are…so that future generations have a toolbox to manage this fantastic space.'
Peter said some committee members have more than 30 years’ involvement with the group, and their historical knowledge is highly valued
'Combined with the expertise of Forest Fire Management Victoria, I hope we can continue to keep that going.'
Forest Fire Management Victoria works every day to reduce bushfire risk to communities and support environmental values.
At the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, this year-round approach has allowed us to manage fuel loads more effectively, while enhancing the reserve’s ecological health.
We’ll continue monitoring our work to ensure our efforts are best-practice and delivering positive outcomes for the community and the environment.
Page last updated: 16/09/25