WELCOME TO THE BNA WEBSITE
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.
JOIN NOW!
Support the BNA by donating via this link>>Donate here
or scan this QR code
Check out our Wild News page (in BNA Resources) here>> Wild News to see how wildlife, conservation and the environment are coping with the changing climate.
National Encaenia 12th September 2026
Join us at the Natural History Museum for a day of activities, tours, talks and the Award Ceremony.
This free event is open to members and their guests
Book your tickets on this link:-
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/british-naturalists-association-annual-encaenia-2026-tickets-1992714511747?aff=oddtdtcreator
more information will be sent out via email nearer the date
What to look for in August from the BNA
By D. Farrar
The exceptionally warm and dry weather this year has put stress on our wildlife so it is important to make sure you put water out for small animals, insects and birds to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.
Ruddy Darter – Sympetrum sanguineum . Males of this species are blood red whilst the females and young males are yellow but all have black legs. They can be distinguished from the Common Darter by their ‘waisted’ shape and are often seen perched on vegetation close to shallow water like ponds or ditches.
Wasp Spider – Argiope bruennichi. This large spider has striking black, white and yellow stripes on the body and black and white stripey legs. Females spin their webs amongst long grass and are much bigger is size than the males. They might look dangerous but are totally harmless to us.
Gatekeeper Butterfly – Pyronia tithonusatum. Always a welcome sight in our gardens during summer, this lovely orange/brown butterfly spends a lot of time basking on foliage with their wings open. It can be identified by the two small white dots in a black ring on the forewing.
Bank Vole– Myodes glareolus. Bank voles could be seen all year round but at this time you might be lucky enough to spot them beneath bird feeders, as they forage for fallen seed. They are most comfortable in hedgerows or woodland edges where there is lots of cover, but you have to be quick, they are very fast movers!
How to Begin the Study of Amphibians
This latest book in the series aims to help all those beginning their interest in the subject.
visit the BNA online shop to buy your copy – £9.95
