The area contains examples of native forest, hardwood and softwood plantations and a variety of other exotic tree species. There are at least five distinct native forest communities ranging from frost tolerant dry sclerophyll forest to quite dense wet sclerophyll forest.
A number of resources have been prepared for this site. A Teacher’s Guide provides background information on the forest types present, a proposed plantation management strategy, suggested pre visit work, a number of work sheets and suggestions for other activities and a plant species guide for the area. A Forests and Ecosystems booklet provides information on the Australian context of forest environments with information on the three main forest environments in Tasmania.
An Ecology Trail booklet provides teachers with information relating to a number of stops on a marked ecology trail. This trail passes through several forest communities over a distance of about 300 metres. Another booklet details the history of Hollybank from the 1850’s to the 1980’s.
Suitable for: Half to full day visits
Suited to: Primary, secondary and TCE students
The Hollybank Forest is located beside the Lillydale road near Launceston. The site has a significant history. It was initially the site of a timber mill and tramline which supplied timber for market in Launceston. By the late 1800’s it had been converted to farmland for cropping and grazing. In the early 1930’s a venture to grow ash trees to supply timber to the Alexander racquet factory began. This failed and in 1955 the Forestry Commission took over the area. The radiata plantations were progressively established and the area was proclaimed a Forest Reserve in 1977. Today it is managed as a recreational reserve and demonstration forest.