THE purists may say the South Pacific Heathland Reserve is not a bushwalk in the true sense of the word.
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However, they would agree that the reserve is a place to be inspired by nature and enjoyed by all
The South Pacific Heathland Reserve is a 14-hectare flora and fauna reserve at the southern end of Ulladulla [Dowling Street].
The Crown Land Reserve is managed by community trustees.
It includes wet heath, sand heath and woodland as well as several rare plants.
There are well-signposted walking tracks through the reserve and two coastal lookouts.
The reserve is regularly used by birdwatchers, walkers, walkers as well as by researchers and local schools.
It's a great natural asset readily accessible for everyone.
Being a place for inspiration it's no surprise that many entries were received for the South Pacific Heathland Reserve's Spring Photographic Competition.
With prizes to be awarded for both levels of photographers, around 80 entries were received.
The photos capture the beauty and diversity of the reserve and its flora and fauna.
All entries will all be displayed at the Dunn Lewis Centre on the weekend November 27-28 from 10am to 2.30pm.
Christa Drysdale and Dawn Wood, two outstanding nature photographers from the local Milton Ulladulla Camera Club, will be judging the entries.
The competition and exhibition has been sponsored by a Shoalhaven City Council Community Wellbeing Grant.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the overall winner and runner-up, and a considerable number of prizes have been donated by local businesses for category winners and highly commended photos.
Bunnings, ExServos, Arcadia Twin Cinema, Ulladulla Picture Framing, Gardenhaven Nursery, Ulladulla Printing Service and Milton Rural Landcare have all donated prizes.
Meanwhile, the reserve's significance and the efforts of the trustees were formally recognised in November 2017 via the best community crown land managers in NSW.
The group received the official title at the NSW and ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards
The reserve at the time was managed by volunteer trustees - Helen Moody, Donna Payne, Robyn Russell, Annie Boutland, Nicky Royall and Cate Brooks - who were appointed by NSW Minister for Forestry and Crown Lands in December 2014.
The group has a passion for the environment and the Milton-Ulladulla community.
As trustees, the group is responsible for the management and maintenance of the reserve including upgrading of paths, weed management, signage and seating.
The group is self-funded through donations and drives.
The trustees aim to increase the visitation and appreciation of the reserve's diverse flora and fauna. It is used by community groups and is a valued community, recreational, conservation and scientific asset.