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.

BNA Weekend Event 11th and 12th July 2026

Held at Gilbert White’s Gardens, The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, Alton GU34 3JH in Hampshire.

This is a free event for BNA Members and booked through Eventbrite,
and will include identifying species found within the gardens and walks around Selborne.

Click this link to find out more and book your place>>

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990784402739?aff=oddtdtcreator

Email:- webmaster.bnanaturalists@gmail.com when you have booked your place so we know to expect you.

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 July from the BNA

By D. Farrar

The warm weather of July is one of the best times of year to spot wildlife. Meadows and gardens are buzzing with insect activity, young birds have left their nests and are learning how to find their own food. It’s a great time of year to enjoy nature and see what you can find.

Juvenile Blackbird – Turdus merula .  Blackbirds often have more than one brood so juveniles can often be seen in gardens. Their plumage is dark brown with paler, gingery coloured markings in the chest. Their bills are dark and they don’t yet have the yellow ring around the eyes.

Blue Shieldbug – Zircona caerulea. The iridescent blue/green colour really shines in the sunlight as new adults can be seen. They prefer to be in low vegetation and can sometimes be seen in garden lawns.

Wool Carder Bee – Anthidium manicatum. This large solitary bee has yellow spots that run down the abdomen and has a yellow face. Females collect fibres from plants to make the nest, which could be in walls, dead wood or hollow plant stems.

Garden Spider– Araneus diadematus. Probably the most common spider in the UK and can be seen during the year, but now is a time when you might see young ones, known as spiderlings. The tiny spiders are yellow with a black spot and form a cluster on the web. If disturbed they scatter across the web before regrouping into their ball.