A long term rainforest regeneration program has successfully been undertaken since the early 1990s to protect, restore and enhance the reserve's lowland subtropical rainforest from the damaging impacts of destructive invasive weeds, particularly fast-growing exotic vines such as Cat's Claw Creeper, Dutchman's Pipe, Moonflower and Balloon Vine which have infested and damaged all northern NSW riparian zones since the early 1990s by forming dense heavy curtains that blanket and kill trees, then collapse and suppress the rainforest canopy.

The average annual rainfall is a modest 1,080 millimetres (43 in),[4] which is marginal for this type of vegetation community, described by Floyd as a dry form of subtropical rainforest.

[5] The major faunal feature of the island is its ongoing usage as a year-round roost and maternity camp site by the threatened grey-headed flying fox, since at least the time of European settlement of the Clarence.

The largest known Yellow Kamala 30 metres (98 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of 80 centimetres (31 in) was recorded on the island by Floyd.

The island has spiritual significance to the local Gumbaygnirr people, where it is recognised as a "Women's Site" and officially acknowledged as an Aboriginal Place under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act.