Welcome to Norfolk’s oldest natural history organisation
– dedicated to conserving the county’s wildlife since 1869
Norfolk’s countryside and wildlife have changed drastically since the Victorian era. Woodland, wetland, meadows, heathland and hedgerows have disappeared and with them have gone birds, mammals, plants, and insects. As habitats have changed, other species have moved in and some species that vanished because of persecution or pollution have returned.
These changes have seldom been dramatic. They have often been slow, almost imperceptible. For a century and a half, members of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society have been keeping invaluable records.
The Society is the county’s oldest natural history organisation, founded in 1869. Ever since, its members have been studying and publishing information about the state of Norfolk’s wildlife in the Society’s “Transactions“, an annual collection of reports. “The Norfolk Bird Report” – later to become the “Bird and Mammal Report“ – made its debut in 1954. Many other publications have been made available over the years.
These records enable the Society to play an important role in helping to protect Norfolk’s wildlife by making authoritative scientific information available to those responsible for our environment. This process continues.
You can play a valuable part in the recording process by contributing records of your own observations or supporting this work by joining the Society. You do not need to be an expert. An interest in the natural world is enough, and you can foster and develop that interest by taking part in our programme of meetings and field trips.
Among the Society’s members are eminent experts in a variety of fields but the newcomer need not be deterred or overawed. It is one of the great strengths of the Society that these experts are more than willing to share their knowledge with those who seek to learn.
Recording Norfolk’s Wildlife
One of the pleasures of observing wildlife is putting names to species we see. Once the second name is added a list has been created and while many people make lists for their own pleasure there is always satisfaction in telling someone else. And when lists come together the total picture is even more valuable than the individual records.
Amateurs have always been at the forefront of recording, but now more so than ever; they have the time, interest and knowledge – and there are a lot of us. The NNNS, through its publications and ‘networking’, informally coordinates much of the recording activity within the county.
Why not join us?
You don’t need to be an expert. We have plenty of members who are very willing to share their knowledge and expertise and help you learn more about the natural world.
Registered Charity 291604
