[1][2][3] The purpose of the organisation was to promote natural science through a schedule of regular meetings during which scientific subjects would be addressed and associated items could be exhibited.

Other goals have included the amassing of a library of books connected to the natural sciences, as well as the publication of the Proceedings of the society.

In addition to general membership, members can opt to join one or more of the specialised sections of the association: Botanical, Entomological, and Geological.

On 29 June 2010, the membership of the Bristol Naturalists' Society approved their constitution at the annual general meeting.

[18] Lectures held in 2012 include two hosted by the Botanical section: "Salisbury Plain" by Sharon Pilkington in February, and "Plants of the Drawdown Zone" by Dr. Camilla Lambrick in March.

Their special event, "A Celebration and Illustration of Bristol Flora, New Paintings and Rare Plants of the West Country," was held on 2–5 June 2012.

The Society also produces, jointly with the Bristol Ornithological Club, the annual Avon Bird Report.

Digital copies of more recent editions of Nature in Avon are available from the free online Biodiversity Heritage Library.