Tasmania, the southern-most state of Australia, has an interesting and diverse natural environment. The north-eastern area of the island is home for The North-Eastern Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club, where members and friends share their interest in nature and promote awareness of the land and its flora and fauna. The Club was formed in 1972.

The Club conducts regular excursions to diverse places of interest which are mostly fascinating and sometimes amazing. These events are  led by a person who has a particular interest in and knowledge of the area visited.

 

Vale Jay Wilson

 

Jay Wilson, a member of the North Eastern Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club, passed away peacefully on 7 February 2026.

The work Jay did over many years for the Dorset community began in the 1990’s. His degree in environmental zoology which he completed in Colorado USA, together with his passion for and serious commitment to caring for the environment, put him in good stead for the role of Catchment Management Officer with Dorset Council working to produce an Integrated Catchment Plan for the Brid Forester Catchments. This was followed by a period as a Dorset Streamcare Officer and later with Natural Resource Management (NRM) North as the Dorset Officer.

In his NRM North work for Dorset Council, he worked alongside farmers helping to fence off the riparian parts of their properties in order to improve river and stream quality. Jay had a thorough knowledge of rules and regulations and procedures. He was instrumental in collaborating on Stream Care projects, Vegetation Plans and the Bridport Wildflower Reserve Management Plan. After retirement, Jay continued his membership of the Dorset Coastal Working Group, and even during his short illness, collaborated with Dorset Council officers to eradicate weeds on the foreshore.

Jay had a great interest in and passion for our natural environment, so being a member of the North Eastern Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club was a natural fit. One of Jay’s fellow club members recalled the calibre of his contributions to the character of the club.

‘I remember, about 20 years ago, the field naturalists went to McKerrows Marsh, near Bridport. At the time, I didn’t think a visit to a marsh sounded very appealing. But Jay made it interesting; through his obvious enthusiasm for understanding its plant communities, the hydrology of the area, the interacting environmental factors, and his keenness to share it with others.

 Each year at our AGM, when there was discussion on matters of business, Jay would often draw attention to something that we might have overlooked; might be a procedural matter, might be a viewpoint we hadn’t considered. It seemed to me he was almost reluctant to do so; he didn’t want to be seen to be pushing anything, just making sure we gave consideration to a range of views. He was inclusive and wanted to be fair to everyone. Jay was a pleasure to be around, and our club will miss him. We will remember him fondly.’

This tribute, on behalf of the N.E. Field Naturalists was one of many offered at a recent celebration of Jay’s life. His involvement in musical groups, wine appreciation groups, the Theosophical Society, photography and bushwalking brought him into contact with many from all walks of life.  People spoke with one accord about Jay’s generous, kind and gentle manner. He was a deep thinker who enjoyed robust conversations.

A passionate man with a positive legacy in the Dorset community.

Photo of Jay is by Claudia Bohme

Report of our climb to Doctors Peak is here

The February Update is here

Next excursion March 14th Frome Dam.

Creek crossing photos below from our People Gallery

Click an image for a great view

MISSION STATEMENT: It is the mission of this club to encourage the study, appreciation and preservation of our natural and cultural environment, the animals, plants, geology and landforms, including those of the coastal and marine areas in the North East region of Tasmania.

North-eastern Tasmania is bounded by the Tamar River, the coastline from George Town, to Chain of Lagoons and Ben Lomond on the southern side.

 

President: Ross Coad 

Vice President: Pam Bretz

Secretary: Louise Brooker

Treasurer: Myles Clarke

Committee: Jenny Bicanic, Lloyd Reeves, Jay Wilson.

Contact us here