We hope you find it interesting and stimulating, and hope you will join the Association and swell the numbers of Britain’s Naturalists.

Join the BNA the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905, and extend your interest in the British countryside by taking part in a wide range of activities together with fellow enthusiasts of all ages. With the help of our experts, you will be able to learn more about our native flora and fauna and develop an in-depth understanding of how our natural world develops and changes increasingly important in view of the changes in our climate.

At national level, the BNA organises lectures and exhibitions, publishes Country-Side, British Naturalist, the BNA website and the BNA holds occasional conferences and Field Trips at a different location each year.

JOIN NOW!

Support the BNA by donating via this link>>Donate here

or scan this QR code

What to look for in November from the BNA

By D. Farrar

As our clocks have now been put back an hour, the winter mornings have more daylight so is good to get up earlier, go for a brisk walk and see what wildlife can be found. There is much to see, whether you are in a nature reserve, a woodland or wetlands.

Glistening Inkcap – Coprinellus micaceus This mushroom has a smooth, shiny cap that glistens when wet. They can be found growing in clusters on decaying wood, tree stumps and fallen branches in damp woodlands at this time year.

Traveller’s Joy – Clematis vitalba. Also commonly known as Old Man’s Beard, this climbing plant scrambles over hedgerows and woodland edges.  During the summer months it produces masses of white, scented flowers but as autumn and winter arrive white fluffy seed heads appear, providing food for birds such as greenfinches and goldfinches.

Shoveler – Anas clypeata. A stunning, distinctive looking duck which has a large shovel shaped bill which is used for sweeping backwards and forwards through water, filtering out food such as small insects and seeds. Although they can be seen throughout the year, they are more commonly seen during winter months.

Beech – Fagus sylvatica. It is always a treat to see a beech tree in the late autumn/early winter. The oval shaped leaves have wavy edges, are various shades of green during spring and summer but then change to spectacular shades of yellow, orange and brown as winter approaches.

Check out our Wild News page here>> Wild News to see how wildlife, conservation and the environment are coping with the changing climate.

Latest news includes Pine Martens, Beavers and the 2025 Butterfly Count report

Seven celestial events to look out for in 2025

credit : Nicole Avagliano

Find out what you can view near you>>celestial events 2025