Discover North East nature

NHSN is a community for those who study nature and enjoy wildlife in Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear. Founded in 1829, we work to inspire wonder in the natural world, from the Tees to the Tweed.

Natural History Society of Northumbria

North East nature needs people committed to protecting and understanding it.

NHSN is a community of people connected by a shared interest in the natural world.

Get involved today and join a community of over 2,800 members passionate about local nature.

NHSN’s Young Naturalist Appeal 2025

Many local young people lack the money and opportunity to experience and learn about local wildlife and wild places. You can change that. 

Last year, NHSN helped 250 young naturalists; in 2025, our goal is to reach 500! Please donate today to reach more young people and help them become tomorrow’s wildlife heroes.  

Your NHSN Talks Are Back!

Your NHSN Talks and early-career 1829 Talks return with a brand new programme starting Monday 21 October.

Join us in Newcastle University’s Curtis Auditorium each Monday from 6.00pm for talks on ponds, reptiles, oysters, shorebirds and so much more.

All are welcome – please bring friends and colleagues too. Please see below for the programme.

Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
Help us build a picture of what nature means to people in the North East during difficult times by sharing…
Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
You can share your Gosforth’s Wild Web sightings quickly and easily using the handy form below. Share Your Sightings Taking…
Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
Introducing the Young North East Naturalist Journal, a new booklet designed to showcase North East Nature and get young people…

Natural History Talks

Each winter, NHSN runs a popular series of talks to inspire you about North East nature.

Talks are held between October and March at Newcastle University and are recorded to share online.

Explore an inspiring new talk below and enjoy more by clicking here.

Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
Gosforth Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife on the outskirts of Newcastle. Discover the North East’s longest-running nature reserve…
Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
Your support helps us to preserve and celebrate the social history of natural history in the North East. A record…
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Explore the North East’s natural history library collection and discover over 12,000 books and journals on the natural world. The…

Saturday Conservation Volunteering

Keen to get your hands dirty for local nature?

Join us on the final Saturday of each month between October and March for a morning of conservation volunteering at Gosforth Nature Reserve. Tasks include habitat management, tree planting and scrub clearance.

All are welcome. The first session will be held on 26 October, with further sessions on 30 Nov, 25 Jan, 22 Feb and 29 March, 10am-1pm.

Discover Gift Membership

Do you know someone passionate about nature?

Perhaps they enjoy birds or botany, are fascinated by insects, or would simply enjoy a visit to Gosforth Nature Reserve.

Treat someone you know to a year’s membership of NHSN. They’ll receive a range of great membership benefits and you will help protect nature for years to come.

Hire the Field Studies Room

Looking for a tranquil, natural setting to host your next event, meeting or workshop?

NHSN’s Field Studies Room is located in the quiet oasis of Gosforth Nature Reserve, a wildlife haven located on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Suitable for groups of up to thirty adults, or forty children, the room layout can be tailored to find your group’s needs.

Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
The North East Bee Hunt is back for a fifth year! Join in today and help put our region’s bees…
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Join the North East Ladybird Spot today and help protect these colourful insects across the North East Join the North…
Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) ›
Wherever you are in the North East, we need your help to put orchids on the map in 2024. Join…