Natural History Society of Northumbria
The Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) is a voluntary organization to promote the study of natural history and protect the wildlife of North East England. Its offices and library are in the Great North Museum: Hancock, whose building, land and collections it owns. It leases them to Newcastle University, on whose behalf they are administered by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. It possesses a substantial natural history library and archive and maintains the Gosforth Nature Reserve, one of the oldest designated nature reserves in North East England. It also carries out research and provides talks , field trips and educational courses, as well as publishing scientific papers. Gosforth Nature Reserve. NHSN has managed Gosforth Nature Reserve since 1929. This 1 km x 1 km wildlife refuge north of Newcastle upon Tyne includes a shallow lake with extensive reed bed, mixed woodland and small areas of wildflower meadow. The reserve is scientifically important for its uncommon flora and fauna, which includes bittern, kingfisher, otter, coralroot orchid and purple hairstreak butterfly. The reserve has hides and boardwalks that enable visitors to view waterfowl, waders and reed bed birds at one of the most popular birdwatching sites in the  Newcastle area. Woodland trails and a feeding station provide an opportunity to see a wide range of woodland birds, mammals and flowers. Access to the reserve is restricted to NHSN members or those who purchase a day-pass from the information hut upon arrival. Publications. The Northumbrian Naturalist (known as the Transactions until 2009) has been published by NHSN since 1831. This journal contains scientific papers, research and observations about the natural world of Northumbria and is the only journal of its kind in the North East. Northumberland Coastal Wildlife is published in partnership with various conservation organisations who manage  designates sites along the Northumberland coast. This annual report records the numbers of pairs of breeding birds on the islands, a bird ringing report and an account of all the rarities observed during the time the wardens are in residence. The latter also includes details about cetacean sightings, information on the Farne Islands grey seal colony, and an account of butterfly and moth records. Activities. NHSN continues to provide a range of field trips, events and education courses] designed to inspire wonder in the natural world, as well as informative public talks throughout the winter period. More recently, the organisation  launched its 1829 Talks – delivered by early-career scientists studying at local universities. NHSN remains active in conservation and research in North East England, advising on various committees concerned with the protection of the region's wildlife. Through bird ringing, biological recording and the giving of small grants in sponsorship of local environmental studies, it continues to be actively involved in monitoring the fortunes of local wildlife. The organisation continues to support the development of young naturalists through its Student Naturalist Award Scheme and support via its Lantern Fund. History. The key events in the history of the NHSN are  as follows. Notable members. In chronological order (by date of demise):