The British Naturalists' Association (BNA), founded in 1905 by
E. Kay Robinson
Edward Kay Robinson FZS (12 December 1855 – 20 January 1928) was a British journalist and popularizer of natural history studies. He founded the British Empire Naturalists' Association in 1905. As an editor at Lahore of the ''Civil and Milita ...
as the British Empire Naturalists' Association (BENA), is an organization in the United Kingdom to promote the study of natural history. It publishes a journal called ''Country-side''.
Origins
The association, unlike others that specialized only in plants, birds, butterflies or other groups was aimed to be broader in its intent to promote the study of all branches of natural history.
The editor of another contemporary organization writing in 1907 did not look upon the organization kindly, pointing out that the sale of its journal and other forms of advertisement appeared to be the main objective.
Nationally, it organises conferences, study days, field weeks and weekends, lectures, and exhibitions. At branch level, there are talks and exploratory wildlife walks where newcomers can learn, and where experienced naturalists share their expertise. It publishes the magazine ''Country-Side''.
The association helps by organizing information, publishing literature on natural history, and also helps out many publications and magazines from all over the world.
Publications
Their magazine ''Country-side'' is published twice a year for BNA members, although it is also available at libraries. The quarterly newsletter ''British Naturalist'' is only for members.
The BNA series of books "How to Begin The Study of ...", which includes ''How to Begin the Study of Natural History'', ''How to Begin The Study of Mosses and Liverworts'' and ''How to Begin The Study of Slugs and Snails'', enables aspiring naturalists to learn about Britain's natural environment.
Structure
The BNA's president is Roger Tabor.
Awards
Peter Scott Memorial Award
The award was instituted after the death of
Peter Scott, a long-time BNA vice-president, to commemorate his achievements. The award is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to our understanding of natural history and conservation. As of 2019, recipients were:
David Attenborough
Sir David Frederick Attenborough (; born 8 May 1926) is an English broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author. He is best known for writing and presenting, in conjunction with the BBC Natural History Unit, the nine natural histor ...
;
Chris Baines
Chris Baines (born 4 May 1947) is an English naturalist, one of the UK's leading independent environmentalists. ; Trevor Beebee;
David Bellamy; Gordon Benningfield; John Clegg;
John Cloudsley-Thompson
John Leonard Cloudsley-Thompson DSc CBiol FSB FRES FZS (23 May 1921 – 4 October 2013) was a British naturalist renowned for his work on desert fauna. He was a tank commander during the Second World War.
Biography
Early life
Thompson was ...
;
Richard Fitter;
Max Hooper
Maxwell David "Max" Hooper (20 January 1926 – 19 November 2000) was a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
Biography
Hooper was born in Townsville, Queensland, the son of Archibald David Hooper and his wife Ada Beatrice (née Carr ...
; Harold Hughes; Simon King; Richard Mabey; George C. McGavin; Ian Newton;
Bill Oddie; Oliver Rackham;
Tony Soper
Tony Soper (born 10 January 1929) is a British naturalist, author and broadcaster.
Life and career
Soper was educated at Hyde Park Elementary School and at Devonport High School for Boys, both in Plymouth. He joined the BBC at 17 as a "youth-i ...
;
Richard Southwood; Roger Tabor; Kenneth Watkins;
Sarah Wanless
Sarah Wanless is an animal ecologist in the UK and is an expert on seabirds; she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and is Honorary Professor at the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Education and career
Wanless was born in ...
.
David Bellamy Award
The
David Bellamy Award is an annual award is given to a field naturalist of distinction.
Richard Fitter Award
The
Richard Fitter Memorial Medal is awarded annually to an individual who is a dedicated active field naturalist.
References
External links
BNA website
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Environmental organisations based in London
British naturalists
Natural history of the United Kingdom
Learned societies of the United Kingdom
Environmental organizations established in 1905
1905 establishments in England
1905 establishments in the United Kingdom