Crossword Genius

Botany experts — people barely seen around a lake (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

naturalists

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'botany experts' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for naturalists that I've seen is " Experts in the living world".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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