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Natural History Museum to transform outdoor space in Urban Nature Project

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natural history museum gardens

The Natural History Museum has received support from the National Lottery for its Urban Nature Project, which will transform the attraction’s five acres of outdoor space.

The museum has announced initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Urban Nature Project (UNP).

UNP aims to transform the Natural History Museum’s (NHM) gardens into a space for urban wildlife research and conservation.

NHM also hopes to engage visitors with urban biodiversity, and inspire them to take action for urban wildlife.

NHM’s gardens will become a space for urban wildlife

natural history museum gardens

The NHM’s Executive Director of Development, Fiona McWilliams, said: “Urbanisation is rising rapidly, significantly squeezing space for wildlife, so it has never been more important to connect people with the nature on their doorstep and help them to enjoy and protect it for future generations.”

The Natural History Museum’s five-acre site in London will become a biologically diverse, accessible and welcoming green space.

It will feature new outdoor living galleries, showcasing the museum’s scientific research and providing a place for visitors to experience urban nature.

There will also be improved access to the gardens, with step-free access and a new layout. A full-size bronze replica of the museum’s Diplodocus will welcome guests.

Engaging visitors with urban biodiversity and wildlife

Hope replaces Dippy at London’s Natural History Museum

“The Urban Nature Project’s national activity programme will inspire and empower people to recognise, understand and protect the nature in towns and cities whilst also providing scientific evidence that conservationists can use to protect urban nature across the UK,” McWilliams added.

“We are thrilled that, through the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK and a leading advocate for natural heritage, we are a step closer to realising the national ambitions of this vital project.”

The west gardens will become a place for visitors and scientists to study and explore urban wildlife, while the east gardens will tell the story of life on Earth.

The existing wildlife garden will be extended to double the area of native habitats, and a new series of habitats will be developed.

Project will transform west gardens and east gardens

natural history museum urban nature project

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded the NHM with development funding of £210,900. The institution will later apply for a full National Lottery grant of £3,231,900.

Earlier this year, the Natural History Museum joined an international project called ‘Mission Jurassic’ to excavate a new Jurassic site.

Images: Natural History Museum

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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