Tucked into the hinterland of Queensland's bustling Gold Coast lies Currumbin Valley Reserve, a tiny patch of regenerating rainforest protected from the nearby frenzy of development.

Long before human intervention reshaped this area, Currumbin Valley was part of the extensive rainforests of south-east Queensland.

Now, together with the adjacent Nicoll Scrub National Park, it protects a rare remnant of forest cover.

It also plays an important role as a conservation buffer for the national park, which is known habitat for the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, and shows evidence of Long-nosed Bandicoots, Green Catbirds, Scrub Turkeys and a number of honeyeater species.

An environmental legacy

We have a local beekeeper and flower grower to thank for Curumbin Valley Reserve.

Dr Alex Griffiths, who passed away in July 1998, is fondly remembered for his unwavering devotion to the welfare of birds and conservation of the environment. He bequeathed Currumbin Valley to Bush Heritage in his Will and founded the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which he also donated to the people of Australia.

What we’re doing

With a small group of dedicated local volunteers and technical advice from The University of Queensland, we're hosting a project to increase habitat for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. We're doing this by planting the main food vine that these butterflies need to survive and breed successfully. We're also removing invasive weeds to improve the habitat for butterflies and other native species.

The large number of invasive weeds found at Currumbin Valley Reserve is testament to the amount of human disturbance in the area.

Of the 71 weed species found on the property, those of most concern are infestations of Lantana and smothering weeds such as Perennial Soybean – a native African plant introduced into Australia as cattle fodder.

Camphor Laurels, which can colonise and dominate regenerating and open forest, are also a major concern.

On the steep slopes we've had to remove weeds with great sensitivity and care to prevent further erosion. The good news is that following our efforts to remove weeds, the recovering and mature rainforest is effectively shading them out.

Impressions of Currumbin

When wildlife photographer Wayne Lawler spent a couple of weeks working at Currumbin, he was mesmerised by its hidden treasures.

'Currumbin is only about four hectares, yet it has such a concentration of biodiversity that size is no measure of its conservation value.'

'Lower down you encounter a band of tall Brush Box Forest, then proper Subtropical Rainforest, before you reach the leafy creek flat at the foot of the slope complete with a Piccabeen Palm Grove.'

'The highlights of my visit were the many wildlife encounters, including my daytime sighting of a magnificent All-black Mountain Possum with young, nestled in the cleft of an old rainforest tree deep in the reserve.'