What the Society is for
The Society was established to fulfil two objectives, for the benefit of the public. These are to promote the study of natural history and archaeology, especially in relation to the Isle of Wight, and to promote, in every possible way, the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Isle of Wight, and the proper preservation of all objects of special archaeological and geological interest.
How we do it
We do this by holding regular and wide-ranging indoor and outdoor meetings where members can learn about nature, geology and archaeology. Additionally we arrange occasional public meetings to promote the aims of the Society. We also carry out specialist recording, produce publications and hold an extensive Island database of species records, all of which are used to promote and to better understand the natural history of the Island and to inform decision makers. Our annual publication Wight Studies: Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural and Archaeological Society contains papers on both Natural History and Archaeology of the Isle of Wight, and most copies are now available online at no cost – see our library of Wight Studies back issues.
Meetings
Click here to see our programme of planned meetings.
Please keep an eye on the Society website for any updates or changes.
We recommend contacting the relevant meeting leader to let them know you will be attending as there may be a limit on numbers or a change of plan.
Non-members are welcome to attend two meetings as a ‘taster’ before they join the Society.
Join here.
Bringing Your Isle of Wight Projects to Life
Have an idea for a project that explores or protects the Isle of Wight’s unique natural history, geology, or historic environment? Thanks to a generous bequest from Jean McCormac, the IWNHAS Grant Scheme provides financial backing to turn those ideas into reality.
We allocate up to £5,000 annually for project grants, alongside an additional £1,500 specifically to support relevant training courses. While members are favoured in the award process, applications are open to non-members too.
Just starting with an idea? Reach out for an informal chat before submitting a formal application to see if your project fits the criteria.
Our Centenary
November 8th 2019 saw our 100th birthday and marked the start of a year long programme of Centenary Celebrations for The Society. The first meeting of the IWNHAS as we know it took place in Newport on November 8th 1919 with around 50 people attending – read more about our inaugural heritage here.
Read more about some of the events and activities in 2021 where we celebrated our Centenary.
