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.

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

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Beth Chatto Gardens credit: Dr C. Gibson

BNA National Symposium at Beth Chatto’s Gardens
16th and 17th August 2025

This will include moth trapping, bat detecting, pond dipping, 3 illustrated talks from
Professor Ted Benton, Dr Tim Gardiner and Roger Tabor, a guided garden walk
and buffet both days.

Tickets are available for BNA Members and guests at £25 each, and for BNA Students and Young Naturalists at £15 each

They are on sale now from this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beth-chatto-event-16th-17th-august-tickets-1333017865319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please contact Webmaster – webmaster.bnanaturalists@gmail.com for further information.

What to look for in July from the BNA

By D. Farrar

What to look for in July from the BNA

Although moths are generally night time flyers, there are several species which are active during the day in summer in a variety of habitats. They can maybe be mistaken for butterflies as some are brightly coloured with a variety of patterns and not just dull brown.

Six-spot Burnet moth – Zygaena filipendulae.  Probably the most common of the day flying moths so fairly easy to see. The wings are shiny black with six red spots on each of the forewings.  They are commonly found in meadows where they feed on knapweed and thistles.

Mint moth – Pyrausta aurata. As well as being found in grasslands and wetlands, this pretty moth can be seen in our gardens resting on mint leaves and other herbs. Their wings can change from purple to brown with gold markings, depending on their age.

Yellow-barred Longhorn moth – Nemophora degeerella. These striking looking small moths have shiny bronze-coloured wings with a yellow band. Males have extremely long antennae (up to four times longer than their wings). Adult moths feed on nettles, ox-eye daisies or bistort and can be seen in wooded areas and hedgerows.

Cinnabar moth– Tyria jacobaeae. Look for this stunning moth in meadows and gardens. They have bright red underwings, black forewings which have two red spots and a red stripe. They are easily disturbed and can be seen fluttering around long grass.

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 Seahorses, Bumble bees and 2025 Butterfly Count

Seven celestial events to look out for in 2025

credit : Nicole Avagliano

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