Patron: Dafila Scott

Founded in 1857 as Cambridge Entomological Society, Cambridge Natural History Society is open to everyone interested in Natural History – including zoology, botany, ecology, entomology, palaeontology, conservation and the environment. 

Regular activities include evening talks in the spring (January to March or April) and autumn (October and November), the Conversazione – our annual exhibition, a seasonal social in December, and field studies and excursions. Talks cover a wide variety of topics, and there are exhibitions, excursions and field studies where there is an opportunity to learn identification skills. Follow the links for more information.

The 106th Conversazione will take place on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025 in the David Attenborough Building. It will be open from11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is free.

Please go to the 106th Conversazione page for more information, including booking forms. Anyone can book space for an exhibit (or exhibits) dealing with any aspect of natural history.

The Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday 20th March at 6:30 p.m. in the David Attenborough Building and was followed by a talk on Natural materials for musical instruments by our President, Jim Woodhouse. Reports presented to the AGM and the draft minutes of the AGM are available here. Members were sent the password. The talk was recorded and members have been sent the link.

For details of other events and activities please see our Diary of Events.

Keep in touch
We have an email list for advance notification of events, which is open to anyone.  Simply email cnhs_mailings-join@cnhs.org.uk to be added to the list and follow any instructions you are sent.  The list will only be used by the CNHS officers to send emails. You can unsubscribe by emailing cnhs_mailings-leave@cnhs.org.uk

Members receive a programme card three times a year by email, or printed if collected at a meeting, as well as emails informing them of forthcoming activities. Joining the Society gives you opportunities to meet people with shared interests and access to local experts.

Our subscription is : annual, £6 (£5 if paid by standing order); three years, £14; life £100.    Membership form  Join at any meeting or contact membership [at] cnhs,org.uk

Events and activities
Please see our Diary of Events for a list of events relating to natural history taking place in the Cambridge area.

Some events, including talks, take place online. It may be necessary to book in advance, including for outdoor events. We advise checking with organisers.

NatHistCam is our project which surveyed the natural history of the city of Cambridge. Its website [opens in a new tab] includes their blog on wildlife in Cambridge and information on the project as a whole. The book resulting from the project The Nature of Cambridge has now been published by Pisces Publications and can be bought from Nature Bureau.

Anglia Ruskin University Wildlife Society and the Cambridge University Nature Society are associate organisations.

We also have links with other local groups such as the Cambridge group of the Wildlife Trust and the Magog Trust.