The Estate is an environmental management success story. Until 2003, the estate was largely unmanaged. Since then, vegetation communities have flourished, especially on the top mountain, which has been free from livestock for over a decade. Integrated weed management techniques have been implemented to regenerate bush communities effectively.
A comprehensive fire trail system provides access to manage this expansive area. These trails are connected to numerous walking paths that traverse different vegetation communities, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes safely.
Kevin Mills, a local botanist, conducted an ecological study on the estate. His research identified four main vegetation communities and highlighted several significant species in the area. The study recorded at least 200 species, showcasing the estate's rich biodiversity.
Educational Resource
The estate serves as a valuable educational resource. Universities, TAFE institutions, and private colleges utilise the site for environmental studies, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in ecology and conservation.
Wildlife and Research
Curry's Mountain Estate is home to a variety of native fauna. Lyrebirds, wombats, and wallabies are common sightings, adding to the estate's vibrant ecosystem. The property is also significant for micro bat research. It hosts a monotypic genus of Australian funnel-web spiders, Illawarra wisharti, the only species in its genus.
In 2018, the estate was granted a National Parks and Wildlife scientific licence. This licence allows for the collection and propagation of species, which are then distributed through landcare groups and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This initiative supports ongoing conservation efforts and the restoration of native habitats in the Rose Valley area.
