Folland Park

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Folland Park is a fenced, 3.5-hectare reserve in Enfield, north of Adelaide. It protects old, native vegetation from the Adelaide Plains and is protected by a heritage agreement to conserve plants and animals. The park sits on Kaurna land.

History
The Enfield area was once known as the Pine Forest for its native pines. Charles Folland bought the land in 1848, and it stayed in the Folland family until 1944, when it was sold to the Church to become a cemetery. In 1946 the rest was sold to the South Australian Housing Trust. The City of Enfield later obtained eight hectares for a public park. At one time 62 native plant species were found on the site. A kindergarten opened in 1955. Over the years, grazing, vandalism and weeds reduced biodiversity, and by 1983 only about 20 native species remained. The park was fenced and access was limited. In 1989 a Native Heritage Agreement was registered to protect native vegetation and fauna. In the 1990s a buffer zone around the cemetery used plants from Folland Park, and this buffer is now South Australia’s first natural burial ground. In 1995 Trees for Life began working with the council on bushcare, and volunteers have helped restore the park. An action plan guides management, with the latest version in 2022. The park is closed to the public, but guided nature walks are occasionally held.

Flora
Folland Park preserves a rare example of mallee woodland. The tallest trees are Eucalyptus porosa, E. socialis and E. dumosa. The understory includes Senna artemisioides and various Acacias, with a ground layer of grasses and daisies. Native Pine is still present, though not as common. Some species are rare or endangered regionally or statewide.

Fauna and threats
Historically, echidnas, bandicoots and kangaroos lived nearby, but many have disappeared. Now the park hosts several bats (including Gould’s Wattled Bat, White-striped Free-tailed Bat, Southern Freetail Bat and Lesser Long-eared Bat) and the Brushtail Possum (rare). Foxes are common around the area, and feral honeybees threaten wildlife. Wandering cats may prey on animals. About 21 bird species have been recorded, including Willie Wagtail, Purple-crowned Lorikeet and Spotted Pardalote (near threatened regionally). Sleepy Lizard and Saltbush Skink live here. The Small Grass Yellow Butterfly is found in the park, as is the Waroona cuckoo bee. Cockatiels and common bronzewings have been seen historically but are not commonly sighted today.

Public access
The park is closed to general visitors, but guided nature walks are sometimes offered by the council.