Our history

NHBS started life as the Natural History Book Service in 1985 as a mail-order supplier of 500 ornithology books based in London. After two years we moved to Totnes in Devon, where we have remained as an independent, privately held company. In May 1995 we began the transition from mail-order catalogue to online, with the launch of our website, www.nhbs.com. Then, in 2011 NHBS acquired Alana Ecology, the UK’s foremost supplier of ecology and conservation equipment and five years later purchased EFE & GB Nets, a manufacturer of high-quality entomology and aquatic ecology survey tools. Both businesses are now managed under the NHBS brand.

NHBS also publishes the magazines British Wildlife and Conservation Land Management, which were acquired from Bloomsbury Publishing in 2016. In late 2019, NHBS launched it's latest business, NHBS GmbH. This new, wholly owned subsidiary is based in Bonn, Germany and enables NHBS to provide the best possible service to all our mainland European customers.

We support

Ecologists

Librarians

Researchers

Naturalists

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What we do

Our core purpose

We are passionate about the natural world, in addition to the commitments above we also believe that all businesses can and should be run responsibly. Our environmental policy spells out what we do to minimise our impact on the environment. Finally, we are committed to the health and well-being of our NHBS Team – we actively support our team by providing training and development opportunities as well as supporting them to get directly involved in conservation.

Testimonials

What our customers say

Impressed by the efficiency

When I ordered some field kit for my OU studies from NHBS, I was impressed by the efficiency and speed of the delivery. Although the couriers managed to damage a small part of the equipment nhbs replaced it immediately without a quibble. Fantastic service at a great price – I'll definitely use you again.

Sebastian Morgan-Clare Undergraduate student, Open University, UK

Superb & pristine condition

I would like to express my thanks for the 2 books I ordered on 14/11. The total service provided has been excellent, from placing my order by phone to their receipt this morning, (as 2 separate items). The packaging of both books was superb and they are therefore in pristine condition. In comparison the packaging methods used by some other book sellers (no names!) has a lot to be desired... and I have been disappointed on a few occasions. Thank you again for the service AND for the books which I shall very much enjoy using

D Evans Mycologist, British Mycological Society

The best supplier I've worked with

The tiles arrived safe and sound yesterday - thank you for such excellent service. They are for use in a new house we're building, and I can tell you your prompt attention has beaten almost every other material supplier hands down.

Mike Denham Self-builder, Woking, Surrey

NHBS is one of my favourite vendors

Gretchen Wade Librarian, USA

Amazing service from this best supplier

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Garfield Cat Lasagne Enthusiast, Sofa

Another flawless experience with NHBS

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Vincent Vaughan Managing Director, Geology Weekly

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Frequently Asked Questions Need some help? browse through our summary of most asked questions about us, what do, shipping, returns and more!

Who are NHBS?

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How do I get involved with conservation?

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