(Above) Map dated 1854 showing Police Paddocks reservation (green shading) (SLV) Roadways were laid out in Surveys, for future use. Landowners were based on Titles held by the Government Dandenong Rd - diagonally across map Heatherton Rd - transverse at foot of map Police Rd - transverse at top of map

Floods, Stut Rd, June 1939 (The Age) BACKGROUND Police Paddocks Reserve and Churchill National Park remain as examples of the original landscape found in the region before clearing and settlement took place. Although most of the park is open regrowth woodland, there are small areas of original forest. FLORA Within the reserve there are about 90 native plant species in three vegetation communities including swamp scrub. Remnants of this community can be found along the Dandenong Creek. Swamp scrub comprises many plant species including thickets of Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericafolia), shrub layers of Prickly Currant Bush (Coprosma quadrifida), Bidgee Widgee (Acema novaezelandiae) and stands of Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata). Remnant swamp scrub communities throughout Melbourne have been depleted, making this a site of regional significance. FAUNA The reserve forms part of an important wildlife corridor in the Melbourne region, providing connecting habitat between a number of parklands. The reserve is home to significant species such as the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) and Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). Forming the western boundary, the Dandenong Creek provides habitat for at least four native fish species.

(Above) Contour map, showing 10 m features (Landvic, 2017, author)

(Above) Greatly magnified section of 1975 aerial map of Dandenong. Centred on Police Paddocks Reserve. Police Rd is at the north, Stud Rd at left. Rowville Recreation Reserve at top left. (Boundary Rd became Churchill Park Drive)

(Above) Greatly magnified view of a section of the "1945 Aerial Survey Photomap of Melbourne". Centred on the site of the former Police Stud compound. Many tracks, shown in white, no longer exist, having been buried in the major excavation of 1962 when much of the area was bulldozed in preparation for the 1964-65 Scout Jamboree.(Melbourne University)