Benger Swamp Nature Reserve

Benger Swamp Nature Reserve is a little-known, significant wetland west of Benger.

Managed by Parks & Wildlife, the wetland supports the critically endangered Australasian Bittern and is one of only seven known breeding sites in south-western Australia for freckled ducks.

Note: there are no facilities or interpretive signage at the Reserve.

History

The place also has considerable historic value. Benger Swamp was originally part of 100,000 acres granted to Colonel Lautour in 1829. In c1840, the Western Australian Land Company bought this land.

The area was originally known as The Flats of Mornington. John Pierce Owen Wellard purchased land convinced that drainage would open up further possibilities for agriculture. He introduced potatoes and his success attracted others.

In 1913, they divided the swamp into 10-acre lots, which paid for themselves with the first crop. In 1928, the swamp was fully planted and reached peak production, a status it maintained for 40 years.

Seed potatoes from the swamp were renowned and in high demand throughout the State. The Benger Swamp and its crops of potatoes were vital for the war effort and, consequently, the Australian Army took over the entire output of the swamp.