About Us

The Sorby Natural History Society covers a full range of natural history interests in Sheffield and the surrounding area, providing for both interested beginners and specialists and :-

is the natural history society for Sheffield and the surrounding region, including South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, the Peak District, the Dukeries and Sherwood (the 'Sorby Study Area').
was formed in 1918 as the Sorby Scientific Society in honour of Henry Clifton Sorby (1826-1908) and is now a registered charity, without professional staff, run by members for members. The History of the Sorby Natural History Society...
is a forum for naturalists of all ages and abilities to meet, enjoy natural history, collect, store and disseminate information, explore the Sorby Study Area and promote conservation of wildlife and geology.
has Groups that organise activities, such as lectures, field meetings and surveys, in which all members may participate. Sorby members are automatically members of all groups (except for Sorby Breck Ringing Group). Current groups are:
publishes a journal, the Sorby Record, founded in 1958, and a series of monographs in the Sorby Record Special Series, to disseminate information about the natural history of Sorby Study Area.
publishes a monthly Newsletter carrying details of meetings, reports, news survey requests and selected advertisements.
appoints Recorders to maintain the Society's records of flora and fauna, stimulate surveys and validate records to high standards. Members have access to the Society's records by appointment with the Recorder. (The society does not provide a service to non-members).
currently holds over 750,000 species records. Most of these are computerised using RECORDER software and other databases.
organises over 100 events and meetings each year. Lectures, workshops, Group nights, socials, field excursions, minibus trips and field recording meetings.