Registered Charity No 259211
The Chichester Natural History Society, Chi Nats for short, is a friendly group of local people with a shared interest in all aspects of wildlife, who have been studying and recording all branches of natural history for over 50 years. We do this in an entertaining manner and, in cooperation with other like-minded groups, help conserve the flora and fauna of Sussex. Members of the Society share a common interest in natural history and while some are experts in particular wildlife fields, others are newcomers to the subject. New members are always welcome - Single membership £12 per annum, Joint/Family Membership £22 per annum.
Contact email
secretary@chichesternaturalhistorysociety.org.uk
Spring 2024
Wednesday 22nd May KINGLEY VALE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Meet at 10.00 at the West Stoke Car Park Post code PO18 9BP Grid Ref SU 825 088
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A
walk with the Reserve’s Manager, Rachel Guy, around this remarkable
place managed by Natural England and which we’re fortunate to have right
on our doorstep. As well as being a National Nature Reserve it is also a
Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of
Conservation. So much to see and learn. More details nearer the time.
Saturday 8 June. Bioblitz at St Mary's Churchyard, Whyke, Chichester. Start 9.00
Medmerry 2024 dates have been updated on the events page.
2023 Membership and renewals.
Membership for 2023 -2024 is due from 1 October 2023. Click here for the 2023 Membership and renewal form.
Phenology - the new season of recording has begun. Download the 2024 Phenology form here.
Review the 2023 Phenology results, download here. Facebook
See our new facebook page for members' wildlife sightings, join and upload your own sightings. Click here to find our facebook page.
Photographic Competion - the John Kelsall Challenge - Natural History Photography Challenge
The themes for this year for adult members:
Naturally Orange or yellow
A natural wonder in Sussex
Just include water
There will be a prize for each category and an overall winner of the John Kelsall Challenge
All photos to be taken in Sussex (or southeast Hampshire)
Please submit a photo (any size) for one or more categories. Photographs will be displayed and judged at the ChiNats Christmas Party on 4th December
Please bring along your three photos together with a card/caption for each photo including the subject where the photo was taken.
NEW for 2024 – ChiNats Junior Photographic Competition
For children, grandchildren or other young relatives of ChiNats members (age limit 16 years)
This gives you the chance to encourage your young relatives to gain an interest in wildlife and photography and take a photo to enter.
Theme - Any aspect of natural history / wildlife / plant / animal
The photos can be taken anywhere in Britain. Display at the Christmas party, as above.
The juniors – should write a very short explanation of what they have photographed and where, to accompany their pictures.
iRecord
ChiNATs has started to use iRecord to record our sightings on field outings. You can also use it to submit any wildlife sightings of your own. Find out more here on the ChiNATS iRecord guide or see the iRecord website. 
Events
Field outings, small groups led by some of our experts, are arranged throughout the year to various wildlife locations in West Sussex. Lecture evenings are held regularly in Chichester over the winter, while lunchtime sessions in a local pub allow a small group to focus on a particular aspect of nature.
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Our Blog
In addition to our formal surveys we encourage our members to record wildlife wherever they see it. There is so much to be seen in our local area as we are fortunate in being close to a wide range of diverse habitats.
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Reports
On our field trips we encounter a wide range of wildlife and many of our members are keen wildlife photographers.
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Wildhams wood field outing added
Photographic Competition details added
2024 Mothing Morning dates added to Outdoor events page
Levin Down and bioblitz events added
Summer and autumn field outings added
2025 Indoor Lecture Programme addedAny questions on the website please send an email to Web-Master@chichesternatural historysociety.org.uk s
The blog allows you to log wildlife sightings and comment on those put up by other members - please use it.
We still need to keep the sightings book so please enter any observations in the sightings book on lecture evenings.
We would welcome more photos for the site from members
Below is shown number of visitors to the site from April 2017.
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Chichester, West Sussex
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