Natural History Society of Northumbria

Natural History Society of Northumbria NHSN is a registered charity working to inspire wonder in the natural world, from the Tees to the Tweed.

We manage and protect Gosforth Nature Reserve and, from our home in the GNM: Hancock, encourage all to discover North East nature.

Drop-in chat for NHSN's Membership Officer role🗓️👇Interested in applying and want to know more about NHSN's Membership O...
24/08/2026

Drop-in chat for NHSN's Membership Officer role🗓️👇

Interested in applying and want to know more about NHSN's Membership Officer role? Come and chat to us on Tuesday 25 August between 11am - 1pm or 4pm - 6pm in NHSN's Council Room in the Great North Musuem: Hancock.

Discover what it is like to join an organisation with a long history of bringing people together through a shared enthusiasm for local nature and natural history.

📍NHSN Council Room, Floor 2, Great North Musuem: Hancock

Find out more and download the recruitment pack:
https://ow.ly/Uq5o50ZBlUL

There’s still time to apply for our Membership Officer role ⏰Do you enjoy helping people, keeping things organised and b...
23/08/2026

There’s still time to apply for our Membership Officer role ⏰

Do you enjoy helping people, keeping things organised and being part of a community? 🌿

NHSN is looking for a Membership Officer to join our friendly team at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle.

You’ll play a key role in supporting our members and supporters, responding to enquiries, maintaining membership databases and CRM systems, and helping people get the most from being part of NHSN.

It’s a great opportunity to join an organisation with a long history of bringing people together through a shared enthusiasm for local nature and natural history.

📍 Newcastle
💷 £17,718.48, FTE £27,316
📅 Permanent
⏰ Applications close midnight, Thursday 3 September

If you’re organised, approachable and enjoy helping people, don’t miss your chance to apply.

Find out more and download the recruitment pack:
https://ow.ly/Uq5o50ZBlUL

22/08/2026

Ever wondered how many different ferns you can spot along the ? 🌿

Ferns can seem tricky at first, with so many species looking deceptively similar. But once you know a few key species, they become much easier to recognise.

In this video, Ouse Burn Naturalist, James, introduces five ferns you’re likely to encounter along the Ouse Burn Way, from the familiar Hart’s-tongue to the trickier shield-ferns.

So, next time you’re out exploring the Ouse Burn, keep an eye out for these fantastic plants. You might be surprised by just how many ferns are growing around you! 👀🌿

Time is running out to apply! ⏰Are you a naturalist who loves getting out in the field, sharing your knowledge and helpi...
21/08/2026

Time is running out to apply! ⏰

Are you a naturalist who loves getting out in the field, sharing your knowledge and helping others discover the wildlife around them? 🌿🔎

NHSN is looking for a Naturalist to join our team in a varied role combining wildlife recording, fieldwork, citizen science, events and community engagement.

You’ll work across Newcastle, North Tyneside and the wider North East, contributing to projects including Gosforth Nature Reserve and the Ouse Burn Way, while helping more people discover, understand and record the wildlife on their doorstep.

💷 £26,200
📅 Two-year fixed-term contract
⏰ Applications close 12 noon, Wednesday 26 August

With the deadline fast approaching, there’s still time to apply if this sounds like the role for you.

Find out more and apply:
https://ow.ly/aeWK50ZBlQg

Sunshine certainly brought out a spectacular show of dragonflies at a recent event at Woolsington Parish Ponds! ☀️🦋Atten...
21/08/2026

Sunshine certainly brought out a spectacular show of dragonflies at a recent event at Woolsington Parish Ponds! ☀️🦋

Attendees were delighted to spot Common Darters, Emperor Dragonflies, Blue-tailed Damselflies and Emerald Damselflies. We were even lucky enough to see several egg-laying pairs!

A huge thank you to Neha Mujumdar for leading the walk, and to John Littleton for capturing these fantastic photos. 📸

Parish Ponds and Upper Ouse Burn

On this day in 1884, a Newcastle museum opened its doors for the first time.The Prince and Princess of Wales officially ...
20/08/2026

On this day in 1884, a Newcastle museum opened its doors for the first time.

The Prince and Princess of Wales officially opened what would become the Hancock Museum on 20 August 1884. These photographs offer a glimpse into the museum’s early years: an aerial view from around 1929 and the Bird Room, pictured around 1907. Can you spot many changes!?

Today, the Great North Museum: Hancock continues to inspire curiosity through its collections of natural history, archaeology and world cultures.

Happy anniversary to a Newcastle icon! 🎉

Could you be the friendly face helping NHSN members get the most from their membership? 🌿We’re looking for a Membership ...
19/08/2026

Could you be the friendly face helping NHSN members get the most from their membership? 🌿

We’re looking for a Membership Officer to join our team at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle.

You’ll play an important role in supporting NHSN’s members and supporters, from responding to enquiries and maintaining our membership databases and CRM systems to helping ensure our growing community stays connected and engaged.

It’s a varied role at the heart of a charity with a long history of bringing people together around a shared enthusiasm for local nature and natural history.

📍 Newcastle
💷 £17,718.48, FTE £27,316
📅 Permanent
⏰ Applications close midnight, Thursday 3 September

If you’re organised, approachable and enjoy helping people, this could be a great opportunity to become part of the NHSN team.

Find out more and download the recruitment pack:
https://ow.ly/2HX550ZztGh

As part of our seasonal watercolour workshop last week, we explored the work of Newcastle-born naturalist (and founding ...
18/08/2026

As part of our seasonal watercolour workshop last week, we explored the work of Newcastle-born naturalist (and founding member of NHSN!) William Chapman Hewitson (1806–1878) and his remarkable 'Illustrations of New Species of Exotic Butterflies', published between 1857 and 1861. 🦋

But behind these beautiful images was a fascinating scientific debate.

Hewitson rejected Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. He believed that species were created in their perfect original forms, and was openly critical of Darwin’s ideas, describing them as a “chaotic jumble” without "a grain of truth".

These intricate illustrations therefore offer a glimpse into a period when naturalists were grappling with new and challenging ideas about how the natural world came to be. 🦋

18/08/2026

Have you heard of Hedgehog Holly? 🦔🌿

Take a closer look at one of the strangest forms of our native Holly with NHSN Ouse Burn Naturalist James. Unlike ordinary Holly, the leaves of Hedgehog Holly are covered in spines, giving it its wonderfully appropriate name.

This is the first in a new series of short videos exploring some of the fascinating trees and plants of the . There’s plenty more to discover, so keep an eye out for the next one! 🌳

Join NHSN at a Biobliz at Stephenson Railway (North East Museums) on Thursday 20 August!Join us to find and record as ma...
17/08/2026

Join NHSN at a Biobliz at Stephenson Railway (North East Museums) on Thursday 20 August!

Join us to find and record as many species of plants, animals and fungi that live on the site!🐞🪲

Find out more in the comments below👇

Address

Barras Bridge
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE24PT

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

0191 208 2790

Website

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