Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum

About Us

The Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) is a registered charity whose aims have little changed since its formation in 1903: to promote study, interest and enjoyment in all branches of the Natural Sciences and History.

The Society normally runs an extensive programme of events throughout the year, including lectures, museum open days, exhibitions, study groups, field meetings, cultural visits and social activities

The Historical Background to the Collections…

The collections cover a number of disciplines studied by the Society. Some collections are quite comprehensive, others less so, but there is always a fascinating variety. For the most part, the collections have been donated to us by members, and some of these pre-date the formation of the Society. At other times we have been able to be the repository of items that might otherwise have been dumped or consigned to storerooms by other museums. The acquisition of our present premises in 1919 has enabled us to provide sufficient space to present these collections. Prior to that, in 1912, when the Society was hiring rooms for their activities and storage, the collections were offered to Bournemouth Council as a basis for a local museum – an offer which was never accepted nor replaced with a better scheme. Meanwhile, the Society offers the people of Bournemouth a chance to view some of their natural heritage.

A home for plants and wildlife….

The garden provides year round interest and colour with many unusual species to be discovered. At the front of the house, among the trees of particular interest are a Catalpa or Indian Bean Tree and the ancient Ginkgo biloba, whose leaves are widely used as a herbal remedy. At the rear of the house on the east side of the garden is a mature Paulownia while on the western side a striking Chilean Fire Bush appears to be on fire when its masses of tubular red flowers appear in early summer. A guide giving information on interesting plants in the garden is available on request at reception.

The site was originally part of the native heathland with Scots Pine trees and heathers. The acidity in the soil provides ideal growing conditions for lime-hating plants. Among those in the garden are Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heathers, Skimmias, and Camellias. The Pines were felled mainly in the period 1940 -1960, having succumbed to storm damage.

The current small group of garden enthusiasts are continuing with the traditions of their predecessors, maintaining a mix of native and exotic species. It is hoped that more native wildlife can also be encouraged by selective maintenance and habitat creation.

The island bed immediately behind the house has a small ornamental pond at the centre. Despite its size, it has provided a habitat for a variety of invertebrates including fresh water shrimps, water boatmen, cyclops, water fleas, clams and snails. A larger, newer, wildlife pond at the rear of the garden provides a habitat that encourages a wider range of animals, for example, newts, frogs and various insect larvae.

The garden serves the interests of many BNSS Sections particularly bird watching, the study of insects and plants, and photography. It will no doubt continue to evolve and develop.