Going Bush
For many in the neighbouring community, the best thing about ANSTO is the site's 1.6 kilometre buffer zone - largely natural bushland - which is home to amazing flora, fauna and even works of art that pre-date European settlement.
There's a diversity of wildlife across this bushland. Eastern grey kangaroos are noticeable, and other species include echidnas, long nosed bandicoots, grey-headed fruit bats and several species of possums. The region is also rich in reptiles such as skinks, geckos, lace monitors and snakes.
Perhaps the most stunning wonders of the area are however, the rock artworks. Local anthropologist and decendant of the Dharawal tribe, Les Bursill, has recorded the existence of many large rock carvings, including one showing a kangaroo and another of a tribal hunter.
" These images give us a record of the area's early settlers," said Les.
"Aboriginal communities lived in this area, and from what we've seen so far, the images are all pretty much the same style, which is that of the Dharawal community."
There are about six kilometres of bush tracks in the area that cross a number of different plant communities containing several hundred species, so there's always something in bloom, said Lloyd Hedges, a long-time member of the Menai Wildflower Group.
Lloyd's group, in conjunction with ANSTO, published a bushwalkers guide to the area, called The Barden Walking Track.
A group of outdoor enthusiasts have formed a bush care group to help keep weeds from spreading and to regenerate other sections of bushland within the immediate surroundings of the facility.
" ANSTO's buffer zone provides a sanctuary for wildlife, enhances the scenic amenity of the area, provides recreational opportunities for the local communities, protects rare and endangered flora and fauna, and retains an important record of the environment that existed before urban development," said Ryan Gilchrist, ANSTO coordinator for the bush buffer zone.
The zone wasn't always in such good condition as it is today. ANSTO has removed more than 1 000 tonnes of rubbish and 150 abandoned cars. ANSTO (along with others like the Australian Federal Police) manage the human impact, so that the bushland can regenerate and take care of itself.
" Many of the staff at ANSTO appreciate the natural setting and, when possible, like to participate in a range of recreational activities, including bushwalking and running on the tracks during their lunch breaks," said Ryan.