New scheme to enhance biodiversity in museum gardens

The Natural History Museum, London, has launched a scheme to enhance biodiversity in museum gardens and grounds in collaboration with local communities.

In its first year, Museums for Nature will work with eight museums from the Real World Science network to create pollinator-friendly habitats and resilient planning schemes before rolling out across the wider sector.

The scheme supports museums to map existing habitats and identify interventions to enhance biodiversity across their gardens, while engaging communities to play an active role through community science and hands-on action.

The museums involved in the first year of the programme:

• Birmingham Museums Trust
• Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry
• Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne
• Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
• Touchstones, Rochdale
• Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
• National Museums NI
• Natural History Museum, Tring

Tom Bevan, head of national programmes at the Natural History Museum, said: “Building on the success of transforming our own gardens in London, Museums for Nature will connect millions of people with nature at scale, creating a network of nature-rich spaces across museum sites throughout the UK.  

“As one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, the UK must act. By working with museums to transform their spaces for nature, we can empower people to take action, deepen their connection with the natural world, and become advocates for the planet.” 

Lisa Ford, head of learning and engagement at Culture Coventry, which manages one of pilot participants, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, said: “We are particularly excited to engage early years families and older adults through nature-inspired and intergenerational activities, from Stem [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] play sessions and community gardening to reminiscence projects and biodiversity initiatives. By working with valued community partners we hope to create welcoming green spaces that support wellbeing, connection and lifelong engagement with nature.” 

Chris Keady, head of learning and research at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “As museums, we have a vital role to play in helping people connect with the natural world through learning, research and shared experiences.

“The trust already supports biodiversity through its extensive 250,000-specimen natural science collection, which acts as a vital, long-term resource for monitoring environmental changes.

“This initiative offers an exciting opportunity to transform our spaces in ways that support biodiversity and encourage communities to engage with nature.”

Museums for Nature, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is a core part of the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project.