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Founded in 1862, Bristol Naturalists’ Society exists to stimulate greater awareness of natural history and geology in the Bristol region.

The BNS is a place where people of all experience levels – from complete novices to national experts – can meet to share their enthusiasm for and knowledge about natural history and the world around us. It’s a fantastic network through which to make discoveries and find new friends.

Cotswolds

Bristol

Somerset Levels

Severn Estuary

Bath

Discover nature

Our Areas
of Interest

The areas of interest offer something for all our members, be they a beginner, lifelong amateur or professional.

With close links to Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and Bristol University, we’re always able to access information and expertise.

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What’s happening near you?

Our Calendar

Frome Valley

03.07.2022

Leaders: Jenny Greenwood and David Hawkins Meet in the car park for Snuff Mills at ST62267649 (nearest postcode: BS16 1DL). We will explore this…

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Chew Valley Lake

09.07.2022

Leader: Mike JohnsonMeet for a 10am start at Bristol Water’s Woodford Lodge BS40 8XH, Grid Ref: ST565607 which is located on the B3114 road…

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Manor Farm and Aust

31.07.2022

Leader: Simon Carpenter Aust Cliff SSSI and Manor Farm, South Gloucestershire provide excellent opportunities to collect fossils from late Triassic rocks. At Aust Cliff,…

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Leigh Woods

06.08.2022

Leigh Woods in Somerset is an ancient woodland managed by the National Trust located just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is home to a wide variety of scarce and unusual invertebrates: from Golden Shelled Slugs to White-letter Hairstreaks and rare isopods.

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Kenn Moor

14.08.2022

Leader: David Hawkins A delving wander along the banks some species-rich rhynes looking for interesting aquatic and riparian plants. Details TBC – please contact [email protected]…

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Backwell Lake

27.08.2022

Joint meeting with Somerset Rare Plants Group. SRPG write: “The monad ST4769 around the lake and the station is particularly rich and around 400…

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BNS Membership

Regular Field Meetings & Walks

Group meetings in the field are the best way to learn

10 Newsletters Each Year

Bristol Naturalist News is packed with topical information, reports from the various areas of interest, the latest sightings, regular columns, news, reviews and much more.

BNS Journal ‘Nature in Avon’

The BNS Journal Nature in Avon contains articles and research papers on local natural
history

The Avon Bird Report

The Avon Bird Report is an award winning annual publication jointly funded by the Bristol Naturalists Society and the Bristol Ornithological Club

Society Winter Lectures

Lectures are held during the winter months on a wide variety of natural history topics

Specialist Indoor Meetings & Talks

Learn about new research or projects from specialists

BNS Library in Bristol Museum

Members can borrow the latest natural history publications and consult specialist journals

Bristol Naturalists’ Society

Founded in 1862, Bristol Naturalists’ Society exists to stimulate greater awareness of natural history and geology in the Bristol region.

Our Areas
of Interest

Ornithology

Invertebrates

Geology

Botany

What’s happening near you?