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About BNA

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Volunteers – required. Details available for for interested parties.

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Explore the British countryside with the BNA and enjoy an activity that will last a lifetime

David Bellamy, Hon. President of the British Naturalists’ Association, and celebrated botanist, writer and broadcaster, invites you to join the BNA and:

1. explore the natural world of the British countryside with other local branch members
2. develop an in-depth understanding of our flora and fauna, with the guidance of our experts
3. help measure the impact of climate change by joining our annual naturewatch (phenology) project, now in its 100th year
4. participate in the BNA’s annual Awards
5. enjoy our members’ magazine “Country-Side” and our other membership services.

Please click here for online subscription.

Benefits of BNA membership

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 and the BNA website and holds an annual conference at a different location each year.

Branch membership

As a branch member you can also take part in talks and exploratory wildlife walks across Britain where newcomers can learn and where experienced and knowledgeable naturalists share their expertise. Pond dipping, small mammal trapping, fungus forays and snail safaris are all examples of the field activities undertaken. Click here to see a list of branches and their areas.

Help measure the impact of climate change

Since the BNA’s foundation 100 years ago, our members have contributed annually to a UK-wide phenological survey and report. This now represents a unique body of knowledge covering over 40 key species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects, and shows the changing patterns of seasonal activities and events over the last hundred years. Click here for more information on the BNA’s phenological survey.

Participate in the BNA’s annual Awards

The BNA Peter Scott Memorial Award is awarded each year for an outstanding contribution to our understanding of natural history and conservation. In addition, the BNA David Bellamy Award is awarded each year to an amateur naturalist of distinction. Click here for more information on the awards and past recipients.

Fellowships of The British Naturalists’ Association (Honoris Causa) are bestowed on naturalists from among those that are internationally recognised as having made an outstanding contribution to our understanding of natural history.

Members of BNA have the opportunity to add Grade Recognition to their membership which will acknowledge their natural history skills and achievements. This will demonstrate to others that you believe in furthering the study of natural history and in acquiring the necessary field skills to achieve this. An application form is available here to apply for recognition as an Associate (ABNA), Registered Member (MBNA) or Fellow (FBNA) of the British Naturalists' Association. Grade Guidance Notes are also available here.

The BNA’s associated charity, the Blake Shield BNA Trust Fund (registered charity no. 1070540), also makes annual awards to encourage young people to develop an interest in the natural world through the Blake Shield Competition, with the Blake Shield for 10-16 year olds, the Ward Cup for 7-11 year olds, and the Otter Award for 5-8 year olds. Click here for more information on the Blake Shield Trust.

Country-Side magazine

BNA's magazine "Country-Side" is sent to all members annually. It covers all aspects of British wildlife, and aims to bridge the gap between strictly scientific publications and the more popular type of natural history magazine. Click here to see more information and selected articles from past issues.

British Naturalist Magazine

This magazine is sent to all members three times a year and it includes the BNA Branch and national Events Programme, plus reports of Branch meetings and activities.

Other membership services

1. Lending scheme for magazines and other publications from all over the world.
2. Discounts on products purchased from selected companies
3. Links to other wildlife organisations.

Please click here for online subscription.

Photographs and images copyright owners as follows: Young naturalists inspecting Russian comfrey, Cuckoo arrivals © Roger Tabor; Country-Side © BNA; Blake shield event, David Bellamy © Liz Artindale

British Naturalists’ Association
100 years of exploring wildlife