Current Condition of the Churchlands Bushland - May 2026

Editor
4 hours ago
3 min read

Following a recent walk-through of the Churchlands bushland (Saturday 2nd May), we’ve put together a summary of its current condition. While there are still areas of natural beauty and ecological value, there are also clear signs of human impact and a lack of active management.

1. “No Trespassing” – But Open Access

Along Coneflower Corner, there is a visible sign from Main Roads WA stating: “Keep out – trespassers prosecuted. No access. No dumping of rubbish.”

This suggests the land is not intended for public use. However, in practice, the bushland is easily accessible from multiple entry points. There are remnants of old fencing along parts of the boundary, but this has deteriorated over time and no longer serves as an effective barrier.

The result is a clear mismatch between signage and reality – the area is officially restricted, but functionally open.

2. Litter and Rubbish

There is a noticeable amount of litter throughout the bushland, including food wrappers, drink containers, and general waste. Much of this appears concentrated along the western edge near Newman College.

While the exact source can’t be confirmed, the location suggests that students may be contributing to this issue. Regardless of origin, the presence of rubbish highlights ongoing use of the area and a lack of stewardship.

3. Tree Removal and Stumps

Numerous tree stumps are visible across the site, indicating that trees have been cut down. Some of these cuts appear relatively recent, and the trees do not appear to have been dead at the time of removal.

There has been some community discussion about possible reasons (such as termites), but without official clarification, the extent and purpose of this tree removal remains unclear.

4. Informal Tracks and Bike Use

The bushland is crisscrossed with wide, well-worn paths, suggesting regular foot traffic. In addition to walking tracks, there is strong evidence of bike activity:

Children riding through the area
Dirt mounds constructed as bike ramps
Multiple intersecting trails forming a loose “track” network

This level of use is contributing to the gradual degradation of the bushland, creating sparse patches and reducing natural ground cover.

5. Signs of Human Activity and Disturbance

Beyond litter and tracks, there are several other signs that the bushland is being actively used:

Makeshift structures such as cubby-like setups
Rope swings hanging from trees
Piles of branches and debris
Old fencing remnants and disturbed ground

Altogether, these elements give the bushland a “scrappy” appearance in places, rather than a protected natural environment.

6. Tree Markings

At least one tree was observed with pink ribbon/tape marking. While only one instance was clearly identified, there has been broader discussion about trees being marked for potential removal.

At this stage, there is no confirmed explanation for these markings.

7. Areas of Healthy Bushland

Importantly, not all of the bushland is degraded. There are still sections that remain relatively dense, intact, and healthy. These areas highlight the ecological value of the site and what could be preserved with the right approach.

8. Direct Access from Newman College

There is clear physical access from Newman College into the bushland, including informal paths and what appear to be steps leading up from the school oval.

This raises an important question: if the land is not intended for public access, why are there such obvious and convenient entry points?

9. Opportunity for Protection and Restoration

Despite the current issues, this bushland represents a significant opportunity. With proper management, it could be restored and protected as a valuable natural asset for the community. A strong local example is Abbeybrook Reserve, where the City of Stirling has successfully:

Installed appropriate fencing
Created designated limestone pathways
Preserved native vegetation
Maintained a balance between access and protection

A similar approach could be applied here – limiting uncontrolled access while still allowing the community to enjoy the space in a sustainable way.

10. Next Steps

Based on these observations, the following actions are being considered:

Writing to Main Roads WA to clarify land status and management plans
Engaging with Newman College regarding access and student use
Gauging community support for improved protection measures
Exploring the potential for a local petition

More broadly, protecting areas like this is important for Perth’s future. With relatively low tree canopy coverage across the metro area, preserving remaining bushland helps to: