The Reserve
What guides us
FoPL’s work is shaped by two documents — one governing, one informing. Together they form the framework that makes our conservation work coherent, accountable, and science-led.
Photo: Ian Stewart
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Two documents, one direction
A framework that governs, and a plan that informs.
Perry Lakes Reserve is managed by the Town of Cambridge under a ten-year management plan that covers everything from water management and vegetation restoration to pest control and community engagement. FoPL works within that framework.
Alongside the Town’s plan, FoPL has developed its own Ecological Plan — produced in collaboration with Natural Area Holdings, a specialist ecological consultancy. The Ecological Plan translates the management framework into FoPL’s specific conservation priorities: which species to plant, which weeds to target, how to manage habitat zones across East and West Lake.
The two documents are complementary. The Management Plan governs. The Ecological Plan informs. Together they ensure that everything FoPL does is purposeful, evidence-based, and aligned with the long-term vision for the reserve.
Governing document
Perry Lakes Reserve Management Plan 2021–2031
The Town’s ten-year framework for the management of Perry Lakes Reserve. Covers water management, vegetation restoration, pest and weed control, fauna protection, recreational access, and community stewardship. FoPL was established in direct response to this plan’s objective to ‘encourage community stewardship of the site through the establishment of a Friends group’.
Key themes
Informing document
Friends of Perry Lakes Ecological Plan
FoPL’s own ecological framework, developed in collaboration with specialist consultants Natural Area Holdings. Sets out our conservation priorities for East and West Lake — species selection for revegetation, weed management priorities, habitat zone management, and ecological monitoring objectives. Informs our PlantFest species lists, field works programs, and citizen science activities.
Key themes
Supporting documents
Perry Lakes Reserve Masterplan 2021–2031
View on Town of Cambridge website →
Perry Lakes Reserve Weed Management Plan
View on Town of Cambridge website →
Good science. Clear purpose. Community action.
The management framework exists because Perry Lakes deserves a coherent, long-term plan for its recovery. FoPL exists to make that plan come alive — through the people who show up, season after season, to do the work.