Hertfordshire Natural History Society began 150 years ago, with Charles Darwin among its honorary members. But could its future take wildlife recording into an era more reminiscent of TV's science-fictional 'Star Trek'?

The question was posed by HNHS Secretary David Utting when he gave a lecture at St Albans Museum on 14 May to mark the Society's special anniversary.

His talk, 'Discovering Where the Wild Things Are', looked back at the Society's founding fathers and their aims when it began in 1875 at Watford Natural History Society and Hertfordshire Field Club. He introduced his audience to some notable Victorian naturalists among the early membership and compared their equipment and methods with those available to present-day wildlife recorders.

Graphic with thanks to Adam Hillier

Key individuals included the first HNHS Secretary, John Hopkinson who played a leading role until after the First World War, and entomologist Eleanor Ormerod who was a pioneering  expert on 'injurious pests'.

Entomologist Eleanor Ormerod

Among more eccentric figures described were the fifth Earl of Clarendon, who lectured to the Society of the 'manly' benefits of shooting and fox hunting and international snake collector Arthur Stradling, a Watford doctor who injected himself with dilute venom, hoping to build up immunity. 

Herpetologist Arthur Stradling and son, with boa constrictor

David contrasted their use of technology such as brass microscopes, guns and early cameras with the 21st century use of infra-red trail cameras, precision-engineered binoculars, tiny tracking transmitters and computers. He also looked at cutting-edge use of artificial intelligence and DNA 'barcoding' to distinguish different species. While these methods were not not yet wholly dependable, he wondered if a time was approaching when identification was reduced to pointing a device, like Mr Spock's 'tricorder' in Star Trek, at a specimen and pressing the button.

Thanks go to all those who attended the lecture in person at the Museum in St Albans Town Hall or online. It was linked to 'Wild About Hertfordshire' – the HNHS 150th anniversary exhibition – which continues at the Museum until Sunday 6 July.

David's talk was based on an article that will appear in a special issue of the Hertfordshire Naturalist later this year.