We meet throughout the year on the first Thursday of each month at 2:30pm, when the Humfrey Rooms become a welcoming hub of curiosity, colour, and conversation about the plant world.
Each meeting explores a different aspect of botany—from the delicate detail of mosses and liverworts to the bold architecture of trees, from roadside wildflowers to the subtle relationships that shape entire ecosystems. Our illustrated talks bring these subjects vividly to life, blending science, history, and the simple pleasure of noticing what grows around us.
Sessions are led both by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic members and by visiting specialists, who bring fresh perspectives and new discoveries to share.
Everyone is very welcome to come along to our meetings – you don’t need to be a member or an expert to come along. Beginners to the subject are always warmly welcomed. Visitors can attend up to three meetings before deciding to become a member. One NNHS Membership gives you access to meetings across all our different Sections, so you are free to explore as many interests as you like!
Beyond our meetings, we are carefully curating the Society’s herbarium, building a lasting record of Northamptonshire’s flora.
Each preserved specimen tells a story—of place, season, habitat, and environmental change over time. Together, they form an invaluable archive for future generations of naturalists and researchers.
Botany has been central to the Society since its earliest days. Among our founder members was H. N. Dixon, Britain’s leading authority on mosses and liverworts, alongside the distinguished botanist George Claridge Druce.
Although Druce later moved to Oxford, he remained closely connected with the NNHS and went on to serve as President, making significant contributions to both British botany and public life.
Our Library reflects this rich heritage, housing a blend of historic botanical works and modern publications. It is a valuable resource for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge—or simply enjoy browsing centuries of plant scholarship.
Whether examining specimens indoors, exploring ideas through illustrated talks, or stepping outside to observe hedgerows and meadows with fresh eyes, we share a common purpose:
to look more closely, understand more deeply, and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the plant world around us.
Dig into the past and connect with the people, places, and stories that shaped our landscape.
From distant galaxies to the night sky above Northamptonshire – discover the cosmos with us.
From wildflowers to woodlands, explore the rich plant life that surrounds us.
A place for broad interests, big questions, and a shared passion for the natural world.
Explore millions of years of Earth’s history beneath your feet.
Step into a hidden world revealed through the lens of a microscope.
From landscapes to wildlife, turn observation into lasting images.
From daily weather to global climate, discover the forces shaping our world.
Discover the animals that share our environment — from the familiar to the elusive.
