ABOUT

What we do

The Society's aims are to promote and encourage the study of natural history, protect the flora and fauna in the North-East of England, and care for and extend our library and collections at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

You can find out more about what we do below or you can click on the links to find out more about the Society.

What we do

Established in 1829, the Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) is one of the oldest natural history societies in the country.

We own the Great North Museum: Hancock and its many varied collections but we lease them to the University of Newcastle on whose behalf they are managed by Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums.

We manage Gosforth Park Nature Reserve in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and we maintain the best natural history library in the region and an important archives. We focus on the study of the natural sciences, providing lectures, field outings and education courses and publishing scientific papers and the Birds on the Farne Islands. We are also involved in carrying out nature conservation and research, mainly on our nature reserve and through our Bird Ringing Group.

Most of this work is undertaken by our members on a voluntary basis. We are a membership society and people pay an annual subscription to become a member.

The Society was registered as a UK charity in 1963 and our charitable objectives include:

  • The encouragement by every means of the study of natural history in all its branches
  • The protection of the local flora and fauna
  • The maintenance and extension of the Society’s library and collections
  • The publication of ‘Transactions’ and other scientific papers
  • The organisation of lectures, discussions and field meetings and co-operation with other scientific societies or associations with similar objectives
  • The Society shall also encourage the establishment of sections for the purpose of studying botany, geology and zoology and such other subjects as may from time to time be approved by the Council of the Society.

Registered charity number: 526770

What's on this Month

What's on This Month?

The Society provides an action packed programme of indoor and outdoor activities all year round.

Come along and learn about nature, meet new people and get involved.

More 'WHAT'S ON' »