By Catherine Watson
 
IN THE introduction to Gippsland’s Field Naturalists, the editors quote Professor Jones of Hull University: “Research is organised play for adults.”
 
And so it is for the 16 noted local naturalists featured in this book: Mae Adams, Terri Allen, Beth Banks, Mary Ellis, Geoff Glare, Ken Harris, Lorraine Norden, Alison Oates, Barbara Oates, Margaret Rowe, Wendy Savage, Mike Tesch, Dave Sutton, Gary Wallis, Jack Weerts and Marja Bouman.
 
I’m lucky enough to have met many of them over the past decade and was fascinated to read the back story of how they came to be so involved and erudite. There is no egotism about their learning. They are generous in sharing and learning from one another.

By Dave Newman
 
INSECTS and arachnids are critical for a healthy ecosystem, but they are in serious decline around the world. Habitat destruction, pesticides, pollution, invasive species and now climate change are having a huge impact on our insects.
 
Locally, the Western Port Woodlands offer a refuge for our creepy crawlies and I thought I would share some photos of just a few that we have encountered over the last several years.
 
It's difficult to get people interested in these amazing little creatures, but we need to start looking after them as they are also crucial to humans, being our main pollinators. So next time you see a bug or a spider, don't squash or spray it, let it go on its way!