Lutregala Marsh

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Lutregala Marsh, sheltered in the head of Simpson's Bay on southern Bruny Island is an outstanding example of a coastal salt marsh and saline grassland.

These are rare natural values and for this reason the site is listed on the register of the National Estate. The property also adjoins the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve adding to the area of land protected.

The 42 ha site has incredible diversity. Slight changes in altitude and salinity provide conditions for twelve different vegetation communities. This diversity combined with very little human disturbance makes the site a hotspot for birds - particularly raptors. In the space of a few minutes on our first visit we recorded a pair of Wedge-tailed eagles and two Swamp harriers hunting in the grasslands.

Lutregala Marsh is also known as an important site for invertebrates specialised for saline conditions. The diversity of conditions leads to a varied population of crustaceans and molluscs.

The site was originally purchased by the Tasmanian Conservation Trust in the late 1980s. In 2005, having made a decision to no longer own or manage land, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust decided to seek a buyer who would continue the conservation of the site.

Concerned that such an important site should remain in community ownership having once been purchased for conservation, the TLC agreed to purchase the property from the Tasmanian Conservation Trust for its original purchase price.

Thanks to a number of generous donations the reserve will continue to be owned and managed solely for conservation in perpetuity.