A curiosity for the natural world

OFTEN seen crouching or crawling along the ground in the bush, members of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat know how to get the best views of the region’s native species.

Set to celebrate their 70th anniversary next year, president Bill Elder said the group is as curious as ever about all aspects of the natural world.

“We exist to enjoy nature basically, but as well as that, the club is also about sharing a knowledge of our natural environment, and we do that through experience,” he said.

Meeting on the first Friday of every month from 7.30pm until 10pm, most recently at Haddon Community Learning Centre, the Field Naturalists host guest speakers, and usually enjoy an excursion of exploration the following Sunday.

“We cover pretty much everything, from astronomy to geology, fungi, insects, birds, orchids… the list goes on.

“The breadth of our interest is shown in our syllabus of speakers through the year, whether they’re covering koala research, owls or frogmouths, insect identification, waterways, grasslands, the coastal environment, or fire behaviour,” Mr Elder said.

“There’s no subject or special area that’s not tackled, or that doesn’t spark an interest in at least someone. It’s fantastic.”

With a strong current membership of about 54 people, the FNC is always looking to welcome more field naturalists into the fold if they hold a love of learning and admiration for the environment.

Mainly consisting of retirees, the group has a “big social component,” where attendees catch up with friends, or meet new ones.

“The club is not just about the science; that’s just the glue that holds it all together,” Mr Elder said.

“Our excursions, that may or may not be related to the topic of that week’s guest speaker, and our meetings are great social events.

“We meet and maybe carpool, so people can sit in the car and chat while they travel.”

The club has been producing a monthly newsletter since 1974, and keeps its members abreast of the projects and excursions of other like-minded groups like the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum, and the Friends of the Canadian Corridor.

The Federation University Horticultural Centre on Gillies Street has been the FNC’s home for the last ten years, however it has been inaccessible in the last 12 months due to pandemic closures.

The next South East Australian Naturalist Association’s bi-annual three-day camp will be hosted by the FNC in Ballarat.

About 80 people are expected to visit the city for dinners, lectures, and trips to various locations around the district.

The Rat Nats are the junior version of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat, participating in events monthly.

If you are interested in becoming a Field Naturalist or Rat Nat, contact secretary Emily Noble via [email protected] or 0433 344 287, for further information, annual membership rates, an application form, and a copy of the latest newsletter.