The Club was created by Bob Burrow on the island of Jersey in 1998, and at that time it was called The New Naturalist Book Club. Newsletter number 1 stated that there were 20 members and that 'A Natural History of Ireland' had been delayed. He went on to say that Collins had confirmed forthcoming titles of 'Owls' and 'Churchyards', both of which were eventually cancelled. Bob built up the club, producing interesting newsletters and steadily increasing the club membership. From April 2000 the newsletter was redesigned featuring the brightly coloured cover taken from the spine of Peter Marren's book 'The New Naturalists', which was also the basis for all of the club's stationery. From newsletter 29, in the spring of 2005, the newsletter became a quarterly publication due to the high costs of printing and posting. That particular issue was dedicated to Dame Miriam Rothschild, who had died earlier that year, aged 96.

The newsletters became more and more interesting, packed with facts about print runs and valuations. Newsletter number 32 included another superb article by Roger Long, who had become a great help with the running of the club and a regular contributor to the newsletter. Sadly this was to be Bob's final newsletter. He died, aged 56, on 3rd April 2006, following a series of heart attacks. Roger carried on running the club with Bob's widow Sarah, and prepared the following few newsletters. Newsletter number 33 was dedicated to Bob, describing his commitments to practical wildlife conservation, often in the face of bureaucratic indifference. His expertise with birds in particular had led to his being appointed to carry out a long-term survey of Jersey's Herring Gulls. In the early 1980s, Bob began to dabble in second hand natural history books and set up the famous shop on Jersey which had a magnificent collection of New Naturalist titles, probably the greatest stock to be found anywhere.

Following Bob's death, Sarah and their son Matthew carried on running the shop and club with Roger's help, continuing to supply each New Naturalist title as it was published to the ever growing number of members. In July 2006, the club sent out application forms for the special leather-bound edition of 'Woodlands'. This publication was to celebrate the 100th volume in the series. Harper Collins had the great idea of holding a ballot with the chance of buying a copy which was limited to just 100 copies. One of the great services that the club had always provided was to keep members informed of New Naturalist news, special editions and publication dates. Roger continued to produce the next 4 newsletters and in issue 39, he announced that due to major changes involving the bookshop, and all the complications that come in the wake of new circumstances, there was a need for new arrangements. Sarah reluctantly decided that she would relinquish the lease on the shop and the large quantity of books was eventually sold.

Roger had always intended to only be a temporary editor of the newsletter, but he had carried on a series of excellent issues continuing in the spirit of Bob's distinctive style. Sarah and Roger had been in discussion with Tim Bernhard since the spring of 2007, looking at the possibility of taking on the club and newsletter. Tim eventually agreed to try and continue the club and to carry on supplying members with the standing order service. The Isles of Scilly had already been published and despite a mad scramble to order and send out copies to members, things eventually settled down. Tim produced his first newsletter for Christmas 2007, introducing himself and re-launching the club with a slightly different name 'The New Naturalist Collectors Club' and a complete re-design of the newsletter, which from then on would be printed in fill colour. To celebrate the re-launch of the club, a special Christmas card was printed which featured a superb wintry design by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis; a cover design for 'Man and Birds' which was never used.

The club continues to grow from strength to strength, with three or four colour newsletters a year, competitions, special offers, the standing order service, sales and wants advertisements and general advice on the New Naturalist series.
There is also a special event planned for 2009.

If you would like to join the Club, please send a cheque for £20, made payable to The New Naturalist Collectors Club to the following address:

30 Botley Road
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 5AP
Telephone: 01794 830937
e-mail: tbernhard@btinternet.com

For further information on the club or if you require advice on the New Naturalist series, please do not hesitate to write or e-mail. Your questions will be answered freely and as helpfully as possible.

Download past newsletters

41 - Spring 2008
42 - Summer 2008
43 - Christmas 2008
44 - Spring 2009
45 - Autumn 2009
46 - Christmas 2009
47 - Spring 2010
48 - Autumn 2010
49 - Christmas 2010
50 - Spring 2011