The British Naturalists' Association (BNA), founded in 1905 by E. Kay Robinson 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 Sir Peter Markham Scott (14 September 1909 – 29 August 1989) was a British ornithologist, conservation movement, conservationist, painter, naval officer, broadcaster and Sportsperson, sportsman. The only child of Antarctic explorer Robert Fal ...

, 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 writer. He is best known for writing and presenting, in conjunction with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the nine nature d ...

; Chris Baines; Trevor Beebee;

David Bellamy David James Bellamy (18 January 1933 – 11 December 2019) was an English academic, botanist, television presenter, author and prominent environmental campaigner in the UK and globally. His distinctive, energetic style of presenting became wel ...

; Gordon Benningfield; John Clegg; John Cloudsley-Thompson; Richard Fitter; Max Hooper; Harold Hughes; Simon King; Richard Mabey; George C. McGavin; Ian Newton;

Bill Oddie William Edgar Oddie (born 7 July 1941) is an English actor, artist, birder, comedian, conservationist, musician, songwriter, television presenter and writer. He was a member of comedy trio The Goodies. A birder since his childhood in Quinton ...

; Oliver Rackham; Tony Soper; Richard Southwood; Roger Tabor; Kenneth Watkins; Sarah Wanless.

David Bellamy Award

The

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
{{authority control Environmental organisations based in London British naturalists Learned societies of the United Kingdom Environmental organizations established in 1905 1905 establishments in England 1905 establishments in the United Kingdom