Professors Hill Reserve with David Cameron

Send us Fan MailThis is our most botanical episode yet. Prepare to get a little plant nerdy.Professor's Hill Reserve, in North Warrandyte within Nillumbik Shire, might only cover five hectares, but it contains one of Melbourne's richest and most significant patches of native bushland.In this episode, I walk with botanist David Cameron, whose work has shaped the way Victoria understands and protects its native flora. Over five decades, David has surveyed vegetation across the state, helped develop the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, assessed threatened plant species, and become one of Victoria's leading botanical minds.As we wander through Professor's Hill, David reveals how botanists read a landscape. From rare orchids and mosses to towering eucalypts, every few steps uncover another clue about how this remarkable reserve functions.We also hear the story of how David's knowledge helped save Professor's Hill from development, with Nillumbik Shire Council ultimately acquiring the land and protecting it as a public reserve. It's a fascinating reminder that careful science, community advocacy and local government can work together to conserve places that might otherwise have been lost.Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden stories beneath your feet, this episode offers a rare opportunity to see the Australian bush through the eyes of one of Victoria's most respected botanists.