The London Natural History Society (or LNHS as it is commonly known) is a local natural history society within the UK concerned with recording the wildlife of London, covering a circular area covering a 20-mile radius from St. Paul's Cathedral. The society aims include to foster the appreciation and study of London's wildlife and natural environment and assisting in the conservation of wildlife in the London area by helping to record London's wildlife. Society activities include running both indoor and outdoor events throughout the year and producing a number of publications, including the annual London Naturalist and London Bird Report. The LNHS library is housed at the Natural History Museum, London.
Society aims
- to foster the appreciation and study of London's wildlife and natural environment. We strive to achieve this aim by engaging and informing both members and public alike with a variety of activities and resources.
- to assist in the conservation of wildlife in the London area by helping to record the changing fortunes of the many species that live here. Together with our historic records, this information will help us to tackle the conservation issues of the future.
- to help our members with their own efforts and projects.
- to offer our members enjoyable and rewarding experiences as they learn about London's fascinating, rich and diverse natural heritage.
LNHS sections
The LNHS is organised into five sections each with a specific remit relating to recording London's diverse biodiversity:
- London Bird Club covers bird recording.
- Botany Section covers vascular plant, bryophyte, fungi and lichen recording.
- Ecology & Entomology Section covers invertebrate, mammal and herptile recording.
- Bookham Coomon Survey is dedicated to the famously long running survey of Bookham Common in Surrey.
- Hampstead Heath Survey is dedicated to recording the wildlife of Hampstead Heath (including Golders Hill Park).
You will see these sections represented in the programme each with their own colour. Members are thus able to concentrated on a particular section that best reflects their interest. Members can also pick and choose events that are close to their locality from any section.
Each section is run by a dedicated committee which reports to the LNHS overall committee. In this way the LNHS provides members with access to specialists covering a broad range of wildlife and biodiversity interests.
At the same time as enjoying the familiar, members appreciate and learn about the unfamiliar. There is always something new and exciting to discover after joining the LNHS.
A brief history
The LNHS traces its roots back to 1858 when the Haggerstone Entomological Society was founded in June of that year. By the end of the year, it had 35 members, who met one evening per week in the Carpenters' Arms, a pub in Haggerston. By 1887 the society had changed its name to The City of London Entomological and Natural History Society and had moved to a more central meeting point at Albion Hall.
In 1886 four boys at the Grocers' Company School in Hackney founded the Clapton Naturalists' Field Club, which met in members' houses. This society grew rapidly, and in 1892 changed its name to the North London Natural History Society. It covered all branches of natural history, a term which at that time was understood to include all the natural sciences including astronomy, meteorology and geology. In 1893 the Society admitted ladies for the first time. Local groups were formed in some parts of London, and the programme of activities included field trips, regular indoor meetings, exhibitions, and even music recitals and fund-raising dances.
In 1913 the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society and the North London Natural History Society merged and the London Natural History Society was formed, its study area being set as a 20-mile circle around St Paul's Cathedral (as it still stands today).
Social media
London Natural Histrory Society Facebook page
Follow and like our page on Facebook to read the latest society news.
London Natural History Society Forum
The Facebook Group is a forum for London-based naturalists and natural history organisations to share news and information and to ask any natural history related questions.
London Natural History Society Twitter
Follow @LNHSoc on Twitter for the latest LNHS news.
London Natural History Society YouTube Channel
Subscribe to our channel for updates on the latest recordings and to watch recordings of our virtual talks series.
London Bird Club Twitter feed
Follow @LondonBirdClub on Twitter to hear about the latest LBC news and bird sightings across London.
London Bird Club Instagram
Follow @londonbirdclub on Instagram to hear about LBC news .
Open to the public.
Open to the public.