The Faversham
Natural History Group
About Us
The Faversham Natural History Group, or Fav Nats started its life in the backroom of Faversham’s Bull Inn on the 9th January in 1990. Amongst the original members both Dave Raines and Barry Wagstaff laid the foundations for The Group, which has now been running for 35 years. This small independent organisation of around fifty members still exists to encourage all its members to meet and enjoy the many remarkable aspects of natural history.
As the name suggests we are Faversham based and the membership is made up of people from all walks of life. Both the indoor and outdoor meetings explore many and different fascinating subjects. It’s a very friendly group and we welcome all who share our love of the natural world.
Car sharing is available as are binoculars for general use.
Membership: £30 a year.
Our indoor meetings are held at Faversham Guildhall by kind permission of Faversham Town Council.
Reasons to join
Find out more about the natural history in your local area, by joining our regular guided walks and talks.
Joining a local natural history group provides a balance of personal enjoyment, education, and a way to make a positive impact on the environment and community.
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Shared Interests: You’ll meet individuals who share a passion for nature and the environment.
Community Building: Being part of a group creates a sense of belonging to the community, helping to build friendships around common interests.
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Discover Local Biodiversity: You’ll explore parks, nature reserves, and other local habitats that you might not have otherwise visited, gaining an appreciation for your local natural environment.
Physical Activity: Outdoor excursions like hiking, birding, or botany walks are a great way to stay active and healthy.
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Photography, Birdwatching, and More: Many natural history enthusiasts develop hobbies like nature photography, sketching, or wildlife tracking through group activities and shared interests.
Specialisation Opportunities More: You may find an area of natural history that particularly fascinates you, such as botany or want to learn more about one species wildlife, and be able to develop expertise through regular group involvement.
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Expand Knowledge: Members can deepen their understanding of local flora, fauna, geology, and ecosystems.
Expert Guidance: Access to knowledgeable members, professionals, or guest speakers helps in learning more about natural history.
Outdoor visits: Offer hands-on nature walks based on the seasons searching for wildlife and wildflowers.
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Leadership Opportunities: Many groups offer opportunities for leadership roles, such as organizing events, leading field trips, or participating in educational outreach.
Skill Development: Learn new skills in identifying species, that could be used ecological monitoring, or contributing to conservation efforts.
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Citizen Science: Participate in data collection for ecological studies, contributing to scientific research and preservation of natural areas.
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Raise Awareness: Being part of a group gives you a platform to advocate for environmental protection and raise awareness of local ecological issues.
Collaborative Impact: You can make a greater impact working with others to protect and preserve natural history in your region.
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Exclusive Events: we offer host talks, guided walks, and contact with members of other local groups
Equipment: Advice on resources like field guides, and equipment for field studies, enhancing your exploration of natural history.
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Stress Relief: Spending time in nature is known to reduce stress and improve mental health, making participation in group activities beneficial for emotional well-being.
Learning new skills: Is good for your mental health stretching the brain and improving memory.
Mindfulness: Observing nature closely can help cultivate mindfulness, helping you live in the moment and connect with the environment.
Meeting new people: Expands your horizons, belonging helps you feel part of the community.