Papers of Dr C. Suffern

Scientific notes, records of observations and working papers, c.1900-75, including diaries, largely of weather observations and sightings of birds and insects, 1940, 1947, 1950-5, 1957-8 (10 vols.); files of observations recording the natural history of Rubery Hill, Hereford and Worcester, c.1907-30s; files of observations at Hillhead, Fareham, Hook with Warsash and Titchfield Haven, Hants, recording insects, particularly butterflies and dragonflies, 1948-71. Manuscripts of Suffern's literary works as a naturalist and other autobiographical material, including a general work on his experiences as a naturalist, typescripts of `Sardinia the surprising', `The Nuraghi of Sardinia' and `The log of a loblolly boy at sea, 1915-17'; manuscript log and chapters 10 to 16 of his reminiscences of service in India in the RAF during World War II.

Dr Canning Suffern, naturalist (1892-1978), was brought up in Worcestershire and developed a keen interest in the natural history of his county, particularly around Rubery. He trained as a doctor, his studies being interrupted by World War I, in which he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, as a surgeon-probationer. He subsequently held posts at a number of hospitals, before joining the staff of THE LANCET. His studies in natural history switched to Hampshire and his ornithological work around Titchfield Haven acted as a catalyst for further collaborative study after World War II. BIRDS OF HAMPSHIRE ed. J.M.Clark and J.A.Eyre (Winchester, Hampshire Ornithological Society, 1993) pp. 38-45.

Open for consultation

Compiled by Gwennyth McLay

Lists

Further materials relating to Suffern's ornithological interests are in the Hampshire Ornithological Society archive, HRO 75M94; some of his diaries for the period 1948-71 are in the Alexander Library of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, University of Oxford.