The main form of native-species-based recreation is nature study. Native species may also be of interest to those involved in bushwalking and, to a lesser extent, car touring, horse riding and four-wheel driving.
A proportion of those who make use of wild populations of flora and fauna for personal enjoyment and inspiration are members of formal nature study groups.
Of these groups, the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria is the longest standing - it was founded in 1880.155 It currently has nearly 1,000 members and branches in all regions of Victoria. Most members are actively involved in the field study of particular animals or plants,156 or seek a more general appreciation of natural history through participation in field trips organised by the Club or their own private endeavours.
The Club also supports an array of specialist groups, including Botany, Faunal Survey, Invertebrate Survey, Marine Research, Microscopical and Fungimap. Members of these groups have contributed substantial information to scientific research and conservation planning, much of which is published in its journal, The Victorian Naturalist. Access and use of wild populations is a necessary prerequisite for much, but not all, such activity.
The Australian Plant Society (formerly the Victorian branch of the Society for Growing Australian Plants) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the growing, conservation, promotion and appreciation of Australian native plants. It has 28 regional groups as well as a large number of specialist groups interested in specific taxa (for example those specialising in acacia, banksia, boronia, ferns, indigenous orchids), or thematic areas (for example Australian food plants, native-plant regeneration, rainforest and coastal heathland).
The Society has added considerably to the knowledge of how native plants may be used and propagated. It disseminates this information through a regular newsletter, Growing Australian, and Australian Plants Online, an Internet site. An emphasis is placed on horticultural aspects of wildflowers, although excursions and activities also involve use of wild populations.
The study of birds is among the most popular nature-based forms of recreation in Victoria. It has been estimated that 5,000 Victorians pay a subscription to a bird club each year and that many more are involved in bird watching through field naturalist groups.157 Significant contributions to the Victorian economy arise through sales of binoculars, field guides, books, accommodation, meals and clothing.158
Birds Australia has a Victorian membership of 1,270, with groups throughout Victoria and several special-interest groups.159 It publishes a quarterly journal and is currently updating the Atlas of Australian Birds.160 The research for the Atlas is being done by amateur bird-watchers. This represents a large contribution by amateur enthusiasts to biological research in Australia.
The Bird Observers Club of Australia has a Victorian membership of approximately 2,000 and branches throughout Victoria. Regular club field trips are a feature of the club's activities, with natural history reports regularly reported in the club magazine.
Large numbers of `friends' groups and other volunteers contribute to the care and study of natural areas in Victoria. Parks Victoria listed 154 `friends' and volunteer groups in 1997-98. Thirteen of these groups focus on a particular species such as:
ff) Eltham copper butterfly;
gg) Leadbeaters possum;
hh) Mallee fowl; and the
ii) eastern barred bandicoot.
These `friends' carry out maintenance and restoration of habitats and an array of research. Examples of such activities are annual surveys of lyrebirds in the Kinglake National Park, surveys of orange-bellied parrots on French Island and the planting of river red gums in Broadmeadows Valley Park.161
The Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers has for a number of years run programs in which volunteers pay to be involved in regeneration works. Individuals as well as groups take part in research and surveys, such as recording sightings of the regent honeyeater and other rare and endangered species.162
Many other groups are involved in nature-study activities. They include:
jj) the Threatened Species Network (a program of the World Wild Fund for Nature);
kk) special study groups of the Australian Conservation Foundation and Environment Victoria; and
ll) numerous local environment centres and conservation associations.163
Many individuals, of course, undertake nature study without being members of clubs - for enjoyment, inspiration and relaxation. The study of native plants and animals also comes into the curricula of most Victorian schools.
Strengths and Challenges
Members of formal nature-study groups not only actively make use of the State's wild flora and fauna for enjoyment and inspiration, but also make a substantial contribution to the Victorian community through their voluntary research, survey and monitoring work, advice to planning agencies and on-ground restoration activities.
Consumptive activities, such as the taking of specimens, have not been a part of field-trip activities for many years. However, large groups involved in nature-study field trips can have an adverse impact on the natural environment through trampling and creating disturbance to fauna.
