The values of the park and botanic gardeThe values of the park and botanic garden

The values of the park and botanic garden

Identification and recognition of the park and botanic garden’s values ensures a shared understanding about what is most important about the reserves, and the statement

of significance helps to focus management and planning. If the values are allowed to decline the park and botanic garden’s purpose and significance as protected areas would be jeopardised.

Natural values

The park and botanic garden protect most of the remaining areas of subtropical rainforest that originally covered Norfolk Island prior to settlement. This includes areas of remnant lower altitude rainforest that are characteristically dominated by vines.

The park and botanic garden provide principal, sole or partial habitat for listed threatened species, including four threatened species of forest-dwelling birds and two threatened species of seabird, five critically endangered snail species and 46 threatened plant species. The park also provides secure nesting habitat for at least 15 species of seabirds.

The park and the living collection in the botanic garden provide rich sources of horticultural, botanical and biological information about the native species of Norfolk Island.

Phillip Island, although long devoid of its original vegetation, is an important seabird nesting site and a refuge for several threatened species lost from Norfolk Island itself.

The gradual recovery of vegetation on Phillip Island, following the eradication of feral rabbits in 1986, is a unique example of nature’s capacity to restore balance to ecosystems under severe stress.

Heritage values

The park and botanic garden protect significant heritage sites associated with the defence of Norfolk Island during World War II, including the remains of a gun

emplacement and radar facility near the top of Mount Bates. Scattered throughout the park are less obvious relics of the military and colonial past, including additional gun emplacements, colonial brick clamps and other sites of heritage significance.

Phillip Island is a listed place on the Commonwealth Heritage List recognising that it provides a nesting habitat for seabirds, habitat for flora and fauna once considered to be extinct on nearby Norfolk Island and for its dramatic aesthetic landscape.