Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve

Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a cultural reserve located in the Southern Highlands area of New South Wales.

It covers an area of 46 hectares and has an interesting history. The reserve is primarily a cleared area that includes a dammed section of the Wingecarribee River. It was cleared in the 1820s by Charles Throsby, and the Throsby Park Historic Site is located nearby. There is some remnant bushland with rare plants such as the Camden woollybutt and snow gums. Recent plantings have increased the area of natural bushland.

Visitors to Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve can enjoy picnic facilities and barbecue pits, making it a great place for outdoor activities with family and friends. Public toilets are also available in the reserve.

The reserve is named after Sir Cecil Hoskins, a resident of Exeter and Moss Vale who had a keen interest in gardens. He was known for his knowledge of trees and shrubs and was sought after for advice on parks and gardens. He is famous for planning the garden setting for the Portland Cement Works at Berrima.

Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including platypuses, water rats, and eastern grey kangaroos. Measures such as shooting, poisoning, and trapping have been taken to control the fox population. The reserve is also a remarkable bird habitat, with over 90 different species recorded. It serves as an important resting and feeding place, especially for waterbirds, and provides refuge for inland birds during drought. Noteworthy sightings in the area include the blue-billed duck and the rare Australasian bittern