‘Rewilding’ our Nature Gallery with the help of Cornwall Wildlife Trust
When the museum reopens next March, one of the main attractions is sure to be our new-look Nature Gallery, redesigned with the invaluable expertise of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Here in the heart of Truro, visitors will be able to step through the doors of this reimagined space and immerse themselves in Cornwall’s rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and unique plant life.
Working alongside the Trust, we’ve uncovered success stories of conservation and recovery, showing how we can learn from the past as we continue to confront the challenges of climate change and habitat loss.
We caught up with Emma Whiting, Communities and Engagement Manager at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, to talk about the role of the new Nature Gallery in celebrating and safeguarding Cornwall’s natural resources.
How do you see the importance of the Nature Gallery in engaging people in conservation and environmental issues?
“Cornwall Wildlife Trust wants everyone to have the opportunity to learn about nature and experience its benefits, and the opportunity to play a role in protecting nature for future generations.
The museum’s new Nature Gallery will help people living in and visiting Cornwall connect to the amazing history and diversity of the county’s wildlife on land and at sea, and learn what they can do to help reverse nature’s decline in Cornwall and across the UK.”
Beavers are one of the species being used in rewilding projects in Cornwall. Credit – Adrian Langdon.
How have you found the process of helping shape the gallery?
“We’ve really welcomed the opportunity to work with the museum team on the gallery, which will be such a great space to get more people connected with nature in Cornwall.
It’s been a really open, collaborative process to draw out the most impactful and inspiring themes and stories to tell visitors – stories we hope will motivate people to take their own actions for nature.”
Seagrass meadows shelter a wealth of wildlife and have the potential to store huge amounts of carbon. Credit – Matt Slater.
Do you have favourite story told within the space?
“What I really love are the stories of the connections between people and nature. Nature is in decline across the UK and the impact of human actions on nature has not always been positive.
So, it’s really important and inspiring to be able to showcase stories of the ways people have worked with nature to help it recover and thrive, encouraging more people to join the effort to support nature recovery in Cornwall.”
Choughs are beginning to flourish in Cornwall once more thanks to conservation efforts. Credit – Adrian Langdon.
What would you most like people to take away from their visit to the new Nature Gallery?
“The urgency now of addressing nature’s decline, and the importance of working together to help its recovery.
Any action for nature – however small or big – matters, whether that’s recycling, making sustainable food choices, reporting your wildlife sightings, nature-friendly gardening or volunteering – it all makes a difference.”
Basking Sharks are large but elusive, and reporting any sightings to the Trust is encouraged. Credit – Alex Mustard.
And finally, this from Lauren, our Engagement Manager, who has worked alongside Emma and the team at Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Lauren Campbell, Engagement Manager
“It’s been an eye-opening experience working alongside Cornwall Wildlife Trust, who have so much in-depth local knowledge and global insight at their fingertips.
Through this collaboration we’ve been able to bring the environmental conversation bang up to date in the new Nature Gallery, while incorporating lots of playful and creative elements too. We know the space will continue to be a favourite with families, providing accessible ways into big topics like sustainability and biodiversity.
We can’t wait to share the results when we reopen in March 2025!”
To stay up to date with the museum’s transformation and the reopening of the Nature Gallery as well as our other major spaces, sign up to receive news updates here.