Tom Gibson

Tom Gibson Nature Reserve is part of the Epping Forest network in the Midlands of Tasmania, protecting an endangered community of Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus amygdalina) forest with rare orchid species. The Epping Forest area is one of the last strongholds of the Tasmanian subspecies of the eastern barred bandicoot, and the reserve contributes to the habitat network supporting this endangered marsupial. The reserve is named for Tom Gibson, a prominent Tasmanian conservationist.

The Black Peppermint forest of Tom Gibson Nature Reserve provides habitat for the endangered eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii), which is critically dependent on this type of grassland and grassy woodland habitat in the Tasmanian midlands. The swift parrot and forty-spotted pardalote may use the woodland habitat. The open woodland structure supports diverse ground-dwelling invertebrates, reptiles, and small mammals. The reserve is part of a broader Epping Forest network important for the bandicoot population.

The Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus amygdalina) dry forest community of the reserve is of high conservation significance, as this community has been extensively cleared across the Tasmanian midlands for agriculture. Rare native orchids, including species dependent on specific mycorrhizal fungi associated with the Black Peppermint woodland, contribute to the reserve's botanical significance. Native grassland patches within the woodland support diverse grass and herb species.

The midlands Epping Forest area is underlain by dolerite and Triassic sedimentary rocks. The Black Peppermint community is associated with the moderately fertile soils derived from these parent materials in the drier inland climate.

The Tasmanian midlands have a drier, more continental climate than coastal areas, with lower rainfall and greater temperature extremes. Epping Forest area averages around 600 millimetres annually. Hot dry summers and cold winters characterise the midlands climate.

The midlands was traditional Stoney Creek tribe Palawa country. European settlement of the midlands from the 1820s rapidly converted the dry grassy woodlands to sheep and cattle grazing, eliminating most native grassland and grassy woodland communities across the region.

Tom Gibson Nature Reserve was established as part of the protected area network for the eastern barred bandicoot and the rare Black Peppermint woodland community. The reserve honours the conservation work of Tom Gibson.

The reserve provides bushland walking in the Black Peppermint forest with opportunities to observe the endangered eastern barred bandicoot, particularly at dawn and dusk. The wildflower displays in spring include rare orchid species.

The reserve is located in the Epping Forest area of the Tasmanian midlands, accessible by road from the Midlands Highway. Basic visitor access is provided. The nearest town of Campbell Town provides limited services.

Conservation focuses on protecting the eastern barred bandicoot from predators, particularly foxes and cats, and maintaining the Black Peppermint woodland in good condition. Feral predator control across the Epping Forest area is critical for bandicoot survival. Weed management maintains the native grassland and woodland understorey. The reserve is part of a coordinated landscape management program for the Epping Forest bandicoot population.