London’s Natural History Museum has announced an opening date for its reimagined gardens, part of the museum’s Urban Nature Project.
Opening to the public on 18 July, the five-acre site has been transformed into an accessible and free-to-visit green space in the heart of London.
“This is the first time in 140 years that the gardens around our building have been completely transformed,” said Alex Burch, director of public programmes at the Natural History Museum.
The new Evolution garden explores 2.7 billion years of history on Earth through an immersive timeline of plants, geology and representations of reptiles, birds and mammals.
In the Jurassic garden, a new bronze cast of the museum‘s Dippy the dinosaur is surrounded by flora inspired by a Jurassic period landscape.
The Nature Discovery garden is home to different habitats showcasing biodiversity found in the UK’s urban spaces, as well as a sunken pathway and ponds. This area also includes a facility for learning about urban nature.
“Through two new outdoor galleries – complete with a new resident dinosaur – visitors will explore the incredible story of Earth, stretching back more than 2.7 billion years,” Burch added.
“The five acres of gardens provide a wildlife haven in the heart of London. They will be the perfect setting for people to connect with, learn about and cherish the nature to be found in our towns and cities.”
Living laboratory and wildlife haven
In addition to the visitor experience, the new gardens will serve as a living laboratory. Scientific sensors are collecting environmental DNA and acoustic data to monitor, understand and protect urban nature.
The Natural History Museum secured a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £3.2 million for its Urban Nature Project.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the gardens are “a new oasis in the city centre”.
“We want to connect people with nature and this innovative Urban Nature Project will increase people’s understanding of nature, help habitats and species thrive, and play a part in reducing and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” she added.
Images courtesy of the Natural History Museum
