Key Dates for The Society

11.1.1974Noel Allen called a meeting of seven people at Spinneys, Bossington Lane (home of Mike Barbee) to discuss advisability and practicability of forming a Society to study and enjoy the Natural History of Exmoor.
1.2.1974These same seven (see People section) held the first meeting of the Executive Committee at Stile, Wootton Courtenay (the home of Miss J.F. Cochrane) (see History section).
17.4.1974Inaugural Meeting of Exmoor Natural History Society at Church Hall, Bancks Street, Minehead. 44 members present and more enrolled (see History section).
4.5.1974First Day Walk from Robbers Bridge up Weir Water and down Chalk Water. Leader: Miss Joan Cochrane.
15.5.1974First Half-day Walk from Chetsford Bridge to Nutscale. Leader: Mr Frank Frisby.
16.10.1974First indoor Winter Meeting at Church Hall, Bancks Street, Minehead. There was a review of the ten Summer Walks illustrated by colour slides taken by Noel Allen, plus sound recordings by Bernard Gillette. An average of 25 members attended each walk. Tea, coffee and biscuits were served at 5p per cup.
23.4.1975First Annual General Meeting (at Church Hall Bancks Street, Minehead) A letter from Major Courage on the National Trust at Holnicote Estate suggested that we may like to provide bird nest boxes in Horner Woods.
23.4.1975First issue of Exmoor Naturalist Magazine.
1.10.1975Venue for indoor meetings changed to Further Education Centre, Middle Street, Minehead as we had outgrown Church Hall.
12.11.1975Membership had reached 100+
24.3.1976First ten nest boxes put up in Horner Woods (Cloutsham to Horner).
5.8.1976Mr C.E.J. Oxenham headed a group which included Mr N. V. Allen, The Misses B & K. Staddon, Miss O Russell, Mr F. Porter, and Mr F. Frisby who walked the Parks Walk, Minehead every month for a year to record the wildlife with a view to producing The Parks Walk Nature Trail booklet (1st edition) in conjunction with John Grooms Association for the disabled.
2.9.1976Special meeting of the Executive Committee at Oare Village Hall, to discuss offer from Trustees of Village Hall headed by Dr J. Gardham of Oare. This was the use of the Hall rent-free provided certain responsibilities were complied with.
28.9.1976Special meeting at Spinneys, Bossington Lane, to agree points and opening date for Oare Village Hall Project (Malmsmead Centre).
15.2.1977500 copies of Flowers of Exmoor a provisional duplicated check-list. Cost £75 to retail 20 p each.
29.4.1979First annual service for Society at Oare Church conducted by Rev. Matthews.
Spring 1978Parks Walk Nature Trail booklet (1st edition) published.
Spring 19792nd Revised edition Flowers of Exmoor published by Alcombe Books.
Autumn 1980First Autumn Newsletter distributed.
Autumn 1980First annual service at Oare Church.
25.4.1981Pied Flycatcher design by Alison South selected as Society’s logo and badge.
19.6.1982Official opening of Treborough Woods Nature Trail (created by Society) by Rt Rev John Bickersteth, Bishop of Bath & Wells.
1984Tenth Anniversary Dinner at Stenners Restaurant, Minehead
1986Warren Wild Flower management agreement made with Minehead Town Council in agreement with Butlins Holiday Camp.
1987Wildlife recording cards introduced.
1987Awarded £100 third prize from European Year of the Environment for entry of The Flora and Fauna of Exmoor National Park a check-list (1st edition).
1990Entered into management agreement for Woodcock Gardens with landowner Dr D.C. Gibbs.
199420th Anniversary. New edition of The Flora and Fauna of Exmoor Nationa Park published by Exmoor Books.
1996A number of dormouse nest-boxes erected at Woodcock Gardens.
1996First Sorbus trees planted by Malcolm Scott at Luckbarrow, West Luccombe.
1997Exmoor National Park Conservation Award received for work at Woodcock Gardens.
1997Computerization of our accumulated wildlife records began.
1998Noel Allen received MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to nature conservation on Exmoor.
199925th Anniversary Dinner at Foxes Hotel, Minehead. So popular there had to be two sittings of 60 each time.
199925th Anniversary Walk in Parks Walk, Minehead to correspond with publication of 2nd edition of Parks Walk Nature Trail booklet.
2000Noel Allen created Life President
Sept. 2001Noel Allen received Samuel Foss Conservation Award presented at the Exmoor Society A.G.M. in Dulverton.
2001Publication of the Bryophyte Atlas of Exmoor National Park.
2002Computerisation of backlog of our wildlife records completed.
2003Questionnaire sent to all members. Results published in Exmoor Naturalist No. 30 Spring 2004.
25.5.200430th Anniversary Luncheon held at Raleghs Cross Inn.
2004Photographic competition introduced for Members.
2004Agreement with SERC that ENHS Records may be used on National Biological Network on the Internet.
2004Membership reached 504 in total
2005ENHS became a Registered Charity No.1108445
2005ENHS received Luckbarrow as bequest from Mr John Robbins.
2006The property at Luckbarrow, West Luccombe handed over to ENHS.
2008Malmsmead Natural History Centre closes.
2010Porlock Weir Natural History Centre opens.
2011AFM meeting moved from Minehead to Bossington Methodist Church.
201451 members attended our 40th Anniversary Luncheon at Foxes Hotel in Minehead.
2014- 15We conducted a survey of Hawcombe Woods for ENPA.
2018Ruth Hyett appointed Chair and Michael Hankin as President.
2019Woodcock Gardens changed hands and new owner, Sylvia Arscott sactioned our continued involvement with nest boxes etc.
2020No meetings held after March due to Covid 19 Pandemic.