Ashfield Flats

Statement of Significance

• the place has aesthetic value as a large landholding of predominantly native vegetation in a
riverside setting.
• the place has historic value as an example of the physical environment in the early 20th century which may contain traces of past agricultural uses.
• the place has social value as demonstrated by the very active community groups and individuals who have voluntarily planted trees, weeded, and lobbied all levels of government for the ongoing care of the place.

Physical Description

Ashfield Flats is a wildlife reserve and conservation area approximately 64 hectare in size adjoining Sandy Beach Reserve. It is roughly bound by West Road, Reid Street, Hardy Road and the Swan River. On the north west boundary is a steep rise to housing and a small fenced parkland which provides a view over the wetland. The area is predominantly open wetland with some mature trees and shrubs. The land is divided by a drainage channel which crosses the land in a direction approximately north east to south west. And
service track provide access to the site. During winter the land is inundated with water creating a rare wetland in the metropolitan area. The reserve is accessible to the public for passive recreation.

History

Ashfield Flats was originally part of a larger landholding known as the Bassendean Estate which was purchased in 1905 by Wesley Maley and his partner, John Pearson Learmonth for £17,700. The majority of the land was subdivided into quarter acre lots for residential occupation except for the larger lots which were used for market gardens. Until the 1920s several of these lots were leased to Chinese market gardeners. Other farmers nearby grazed stock on the land. These larger lots are the basis of the ‘Ashfield Flats’. Portions of Ashfield Flats were leased to the Bassendean Road Board and used for a variety of functions.
During World War II a small commercial sand quarry was established on the northern boundary of the ‘flats’. The land holding is now the property of the State Government and vested in the WA Planning Commission and designated as a bush forever site. The management of Ashfield Flats is assisted by several volunteer groups including the Bassendean Preservation Group which has planted hundreds of plants of the local
flora. The ongoing management and conservation of Ashfield Flats has been an issue of concern amongst many local groups in recent years. The fragile environment is believed to be the last river flat in the metropolitan area. It is subject to erosion on the river bank and bushfires are a common occurrence during the summer months.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
High

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.