sherwood arboretum Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Sherwood Arboretum Opens Nature-Inspired Playground

As Sherwood Arboretum approaches its centenary, a new chapter unfolds with the opening of its nature-inspired playground. After weeks of anticipation and careful work, the reimagined play space is now ready to welcome young adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Read: Sherwood Arboretum: A Look Back at Brisbane’s Living Heritage

A Playground Rooted in Nature

The newly designed playground is more than just swings and slides; it’s an immersive experience that brings the arboretum’s rich botanical heritage to life. Children can now:

Hop along whimsical mushroom steppers
Wander a winding boardwalk
Listen to the melodies of local birds on an interactive sound panel
Gaze up at the canopy from a net, spotting wildlife among the branches
Test their balance on a challenging log maze
Scale a spider-inspired climbing net

Each element has been carefully chosen to encourage exploration and foster a connection with the natural world that surrounds it.

Accessibility and Enrichment at the Core

Nature-Inspired Playground — Photo credit: BCC/Facebook

The playground’s redesign focused on creating an enriched and more accessible play environment. Improvements include replacement of existing decking, installation of new equipment and furniture, and addition of a second pathway to enhance accessibility

These upgrades ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the wonders of outdoor play in this unique setting.

Brisbane partnered with two local businesses to bring this suburban oasis to life. The collaboration has resulted in a play space that reflects the character of the area and the values of its residents.

Sherwood Arboretum: A Century of Growth

As the playground opens its gates, it marks the beginning of celebrations leading up to Sherwood Arboretum’s centenary in 2025. Established on World Forestry Day in 1925, the arboretum has flourished from a modest collection of native Australian trees into a diverse 15-hectare sanctuary.

Today, the arboretum boasts:

Approximately 1,100 trees
250 distinct species
Various botanical collections including riverine, dry rainforest, dry sclerophyll, and freshwater wetland areas
A grand avenue of 72 kauri pines, considered the crown jewel of the park

Looking to the Future

With the centenary on the horizon, the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum are preparing for a year filled with celebrations and activities. The new playground is just the beginning of a series of upgrades aimed at revitalising this beloved space.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

As Sherwood Arboretum enters its second century, it does so with renewed vigour. The enhanced facilities and nature-inspired playground ensure that future generations will continue to find relaxation, discovery, and a deep appreciation for conservation within its leafy bounds.

Published 19-September-2024

Sherwood Arboretum: A Look Back at Brisbane’s Living Heritage

As Sherwood Arboretum nears its 100th anniversary in 2025, it stands as a living testament to Brisbane’s commitment to preserving native Australian flora.

Read: New Nature Play Area Coming to Sherwood Arboretum

This 15-hectare botanic treasure, established in 1925, has grown from a modest collection of native trees to a beloved community space and an officially recognised botanic garden.

The arboretum’s story began with William Hodgson, appointed as the Council’s first caretaker, and Ernest Walter Bick, who became its first curator in March 1925. Their pioneering efforts laid the foundation for what would become a cherished green space in Brisbane.

William Hodgson, the Arboretum’s first Council caretaker, pictured with his wife Olive (nee Berry) and son Billy (Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum/Facebook)

Community involvement has been a hallmark of the arboretum since its inception. In March 1925, two members of the Berry family planted Queensland Kauri trees in what would become the arboretum’s iconic avenue.

A 1930 view of the arboretum northwest from Jolimont Street, with Mt Coot-tha visible to the right in the distance (Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum/Facebook)

In August, just months after its establishment, students from Sherwood State School planted 100 trees, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition of community support.

Josie Condie of Melbourne planted a tree in 2017 in honour of her parents, William and Olive Hodgson and her late sisters, Margaret and Betty and late brother, Billy (Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum/Facebook)

Josie Condie, during a tree planting event organised by the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum (FOSA) in 2017, provided a vivid personal connection to the arboretum’s early days. As the daughter of William Hodgson, she recalled the childhood memories of playing on the iron gate at the main entry and witnessing her father and Mr Bick planting new trees.

Descendants of the Hodgson and Berry families attended the planting in 2017 (Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum/Facebook)

Her recollections painted a picture of a simpler time, with Council horses Punch and Blossom sheltered on the grounds, and the excitement of rowing boats over the flooded arboretum during the great flood of February 1931.

Over the decades, Sherwood Arboretum has evolved and garnered increasing recognition. In 1986, FOSA was formed, playing a crucial role in tree and habitat care, enhancing visitor experiences, and advocacy. The arboretum’s significance was further acknowledged in 2007 when it was listed on the Queensland Government’s State Heritage Register.

A major milestone came on 29 May 2020, when Cr Adrian Schrinner announced Sherwood Arboretum’s designation as an official Botanic Garden for Brisbane. This recognition underscores its importance as both a recreational space and a site of botanical significance.

Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum/Facebook

Today, Sherwood Arboretum boasts a diverse collection of botanical specimens, including riverine, dry rainforest, dry sclerophyll, and freshwater wetland areas. Its grand avenue of 72 kauri pines serves as a majestic centrepiece, while plans for a new nature play area promise to engage future generations.

As it nears its 100th birthday, Sherwood Arboretum continues to fulfil its original purpose while adapting to modern needs. It remains an inviting green space for relaxation and enjoyment, as well as a vital site for discovery, learning, conservation, and protection of Australia’s native flora.

Read: Oxley and Sherwood Lead the Way as Brisbane Reclaims Flood Zones for Public Use

The arboretum’s centenary will not only celebrate its rich history but also look forward to its future role in Brisbane’s botanical landscape. From William Hodgson’s careful stewardship to the ongoing efforts of FOSA and the local community, Sherwood Arboretum stands as a living monument to the power of conservation and community involvement in preserving natural heritage for generations to come.

Published 18-July-2024

New Nature Play Area Coming to Sherwood Arboretum

As Sherwood Arboretum approaches its centenary in March 2025, a series of upgrades are underway to enhance this beloved green space.

Read: Oxley Creek Common To Host Massive Tree Planting Event

The improvements will focus on completing a new nature play area, installing interpretive signage, and refurbishing the iconic Kauri Pine Avenue.

Cr Nicole Johnston recently announced a significant $590,000 investment from Council for these enhancements. This funding will be used to finish the new nature play area, produce and install interpretive signage, and undertake work on the Kauri Pine Ave. Additionally, a new shade sail will provide extra coverage for the playground.

The centrepiece of these renovations is the playground upgrade, designed to create an enriched and more accessible play environment. Plans include replacing existing decking, installing new equipment and furniture, and adding a second pathway.

The enhanced space will feature sensory and interactive elements that complement the arboretum’s botanical theme, while also ensuring compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Established in 1925 on World Forestry Day, Sherwood Arboretum has grown from a sparse collection of native Australian trees to a diverse 15-hectare haven boasting approximately 1,100 trees across 250 species. Its varied botanical collections include riverine, dry rainforest, dry sclerophyll, and freshwater wetland areas, with the grand avenue of 72 kauri pines serving as its crown jewel.

As the centenary approaches, the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum are gearing up for a busy year of celebrations. The group recently held its annual meeting to elect new executive members, demonstrating the continued community involvement that has been crucial to the arboretum’s success.

The upgrades, expected to be completed by mid-2024, will ensure that the arboretum enters its second century as a revitalised space for relaxation, discovery, and conservation. As part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, it stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering environmental education.

Read: Sherwood Mounts Annual Crusade Against Cane Toads at the Sherwood Arboretum

With these improvements, Sherwood Arboretum is set to continue its dual role as both a serene retreat for visitors and a vital resource for botanical research and education. As it prepares to mark 100 years of growth, the arboretum looks forward to welcoming new generations of nature enthusiasts, ensuring its legacy flourishes for centuries to come.

Published 27-June-2024

Sherwood Mounts Annual Crusade Against Cane Toads at the Sherwood Arboretum

Photo Credit: Watergum/Facebook

The Sherwood Arboretum will once again host the annual Toad Bust, a key event in the Australian ecological calendar, aiming to tackle the growing problem of Cane Toads in the region.

This invasive species, the Rhinella marina, poses a serious threat to Australia’s native wildlife and ecosystems, making the Toad Bust not just an event, but a vital environmental mission.

The Sherwood Annual Toad Bust is scheduled for Saturday, 20 Jan 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 87 Jolimont St.

The Sherwood Arboretum, part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, is a heritage-listed site officially opened on World Forestry Day in 1925. It spans 15 hectares and houses approximately 1100 trees from around 250 species, showcasing diverse botanical collections and a grand avenue of 72 kauri pines.

The Impact of Cane Toads

Cane Toads are known for devastatingly impacting Australian native wildlife, poisoning thousands of pets, and adversely affecting local agriculture. They have a lifespan of over 10 years in the wild, with a single female capable of producing up to 35,000 eggs per breeding cycle.

The Great Cane Toad Bust encourages community participation in tackling this environmental menace. People are urged to engage in toad busting, tadpole trapping, and humane euthanasia of the toads, contributing to the collective effort to control their population.

On the Ground: Toadbusters in Action

Simon Middap, a semi-retired IT engineer and enthusiastic “toadbuster” shares his experience of the overwhelming presence of Cane Toads on the Pacific Harbour golf estate in Queensland. He highlights the practical challenges they face, like the difficulty in finding a spot to place a golf ball due to the sheer number of toadlets.

Middap describes their catch-cry, “TTTT” (Terrorise toads every third Thursday), illustrating their consistent efforts in managing the toad population. This reflects the community’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Environmental and Scientific Perspectives

Due to recent weather patterns, Dr. Jodi Rowley, a frog biologist, emphasises the favourable breeding conditions for amphibians, including Cane Toads. She underscores the importance of local initiatives like toad busts in positively impacting local wildlife.

The introduction of Cane Toads in 1935 by Queensland’s sugar cane growers marks a critical point in Australia’s environmental history. Their intention to control beetle species affecting sugar cane crops backfired, leading to the widespread invasion of toads across the country.

The Sherwood Annual Toad Bust is more than an event; it’s proof of the power of community involvement in environmental conservation. With initiatives like this, Australians demonstrate their resilience and commitment to protecting their unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Published 19-Jan-2024

Sherwood Arboretum Undergoes Upgrades

The Sherwood Arboretum will undergo upgrades this month particularly at the area along the Brisbane River.

Funds amounting to $95,000 have been set aside for the upgrades that includes repairs to the riverside boardwalk and bridge. Some of the works include:

Decking board replacement
Timber balustrades reprinting
Handrails reprinting

The decommissioned maintenance-only bridge will be removed whilst trees will be pruned for easier access to the bridge and boardwalk.

Locals are warned of temporary closures within the area this month due to the upgrades. The good news is that it won’t be too long before residents can enjoy the arboretum once again.

The area is perfect for gatherings or for solitary walks as it is surrounded by trees. There are gazebos where one can sit and just take in the peace and quiet. There are also kids’ playgrounds in the area.