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THE SOCIETY

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society (WNHAS) was founded in 1888 to encourage the practical study of natural history, archaeology and related subjects in Wells and the surrounding countryside. The society is still active, with a busy programme of lectures and summer excursions.

WNHAS

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society

 

The history of Wells & Mendip Museum is intertwined with that of the Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society. The society was formed in 1888, and Herbert Balch, the founder of the museum, was one of its original members. 

 

The society has a programme of winter lectures and a series of summer walks and excursions to places of interest in the region. The current programme is posted below. 

 

As well as free access to the society's talks, members may use the museum and its facilities without charge. To join WNHAS, please download and complete the application form, and return it to the secretary at a meeting, drop it off at the front desk, or post as indicated on the form.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

​Chair: Mark Hutchinson

 
Secretary: Jane Burman

Programme

 

Indoor meetings are held in The Lecture Hall at Wells & Mendip Museum

 

Non-members of the Society are very welcome (£4.00)

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The indoor programme for Autumn 2026 onwards is published below. The Summer 2027 visits programme will be published when available

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The First English art: Anglo-Saxon stonework 650-1066
Chris Eldridge MA MPhil (Cantab.) FRHistS, Head of History Wells Cathedral School

2 Oct 2026

at

7:00 pm

Doors open at 18.45. Refreshments provided.
Community Archaeology
Andrew Buchanan

6 Nov 2026

at

7:00 pm

Andrew Buchanan of the Westbury Society Archaeological Group, will give an introduction to community archaeology, its importance nationally, local initiatives and an update on WSAG’s current Romano-British excavations.
Doors open 6.45pm. Refreshments provided.
Understanding how the Mendip Hills are used and how they can be managed for the future
Jim Hardcastle and Tim Haselden

4 Dec 2026

at

7:00 pm

Jim Hardcastle and Tim Haselden of the Mendip National Landscape Team will be sharing insights gained from the latest research.
Doors open at 18.45. Refreshments provided.
AGM, followed by: “Beacon Hill – A special place”
Jane Burman, WNHAS Secretary & Treasurer.

5 Feb 2027

at

7:00 pm

A prominent high point of the Mendip Hills, Beacon Hill is a special place. Jane Burman will tell us about its Bronze Age, Roman, and more recent history, its geology, natural history and not forgetting its glorious display of bluebells.
Doors open at 18.45. Refreshments provided.
Caves & Cave Diving - 100 years of Wookey Hole
Neil Morgan – Cave Guide Wookey Hole Caves

5 Mar 2027

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7:00 pm

To celebrate 100 years since Wookey Hole Caves opened to the public. Neil Morgan will be telling us all about the site, both above and below ground and the role the caves played in shaping the science of speleology.
Doors open at 18.45. Refreshments provided.
From ice age caves to conservation: the last 80 000 years as seen from Gully Cave
Professor Danielle Schreve BSc, PhD Heather Corrie Chair in Environmental Change, Bristol University

2 Apr 2027

at

7:00 pm

Since 2006, Danielle has been leading excavations at Gully Cave in the Mendip Hills. She will discuss her findings and explain why this is a key site in our understanding of how fauna responded to abrupt climate change.
Doors open at 18.45. Refreshments provided.
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