Natural Science

Sheffield’s natural science collection originated in the 1820s with Sheffield Literary and Philosophical Society. The earliest parts of the collection bring together material from around the world, reflecting the global reach of Britain’s industrialists, scientists and explorers. The majority of the collection is from the Sheffield region and offers rich insights into the natural history of the local area.

The collection comprises 225,000 specimens and data from Weston Park Weather Station, that provide a unique record of our historic and contemporary environment. It represents a hugely important repository of data, offering insights into landscape, species, climate change and the history of scientific discovery. It is regularly used by researchers, academics and specialists to inform understanding our changing natural environment, from local wildlife populations to the threat of climate change.

Significant collectors include Margaret and Horatia Gatty, Henry Clifton Sorby, Jonathan Salt, Henry Seebohm and Wilfred Robinson Barker. The museum also holds specimens contributed by the biological recorders of the Sorby Natural History Society.

If you want to search for a specific item, phrase or object number, enter your search term in speech marks e.g. "Benty Grange".

Click here to search our full online collection.