Les Atkinson Park contains several distinct habitats which support a wide variety of plants and animals. The dominant habitat in the park is the wetland that supports a wide variety of reeds. This is surrounded by stands of paper bark wetland. In the areas of the park with drier soil, there exists eucalypt and casuarina woodland. Along the creek line and creek banks, there is a freshwater, instream habitat.

Les Atkinson Park is a small part of the larger stable swamp creek catchment which empties into Oxley Creek. 

 

Wetland Swamp:

A wetland is an area where water is on or near the surface, either seasonally or all year round. At Les Atkinson Park the wetland area retains its water all year round and is fed by several springs and nearby creeks. Due to the permanent water, plants must be specially adapted to grow in these conditions.

Wetlands are vitally important ecosystems that provide many benefits. They are home to a wide range of plant and animal’s species, they clean water that flows through, control floods and recharge groundwater supplies.

 

Paper Bark Forest:

The paper bark forest has been naturally regenerating over the last 20 years. Located in the swamp and along the boundaries of the swamp, paper bark trees provide important habitat for birds that live in the wetland. Paper bark trees are able to tolerate growing in the wet conditions and help to prevent erosion with their large root systems.

 

Woodland:

In the drier areas of the park beside the train station carpark and football fields, Casuarina and Eucalypt trees form a woodland belt. These areas have several distinct regions at different height levels. This includes the large canopy trees, smaller shrubs to several metres high and lower ground covers. The woodland provides significant habitat for bandicoots and possums.

 

Instream Habitat:

Stable swamp creek which runs through the park also provides a separate habitat area. The creek is home to aquatic wildlife such as small fish, eels and turtles as well as a range of invertebrate species. All of these animals depend upon the creek for part or all of their lifecycle. Along the creek banks, grasses such as lomandras thrive and the sodden ground allows fern trees to grow.