The reserve spans 7.2 hectares and features a mix of remnant and regenerated bushland, supporting a variety of native wildlife, particularly birds, with 85 species observed.

The reserve includes a series of ponds that feed into a cascade leading to the creek during wet periods.

The 1962 Melbourne bushfires destroyed part of the natural vegetation and also a pine plantation planted in the 1930s by Mitcham Primary School.

The Environmental Effects Statement (June 1998) predicted high impact on areas of conservation value if the freeway was built.

In the face of unrest, ongoing controversy and confusion, continued community opposition resulted in a political agreement by the Victorian State Government in 2000 to build two tunnels as part of Eastlink to protect the entire Mullum Mullum Valley, extending from Park Road Donvale to Deep Creek Road in Ringwood.

[citation needed] Yarran Dheran falls into the category of Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Valley Heathy Forest.

It represents one of the largest remaining patches of dry sclerophyll forest in urban Melbourne, providing a piece of ‘real bush’ only 20 km from the CBD.