Exhibition spotlights wildlife saved with National Lottery support
An immersive exhibition celebrating some of the rare animals and insects that have been saved with the support of National Lottery funding has opened in London.
Marking the start of the COP 28 Climate Change conference in Dubai, the Habitats of Hope exhibition celebrates the 4,600 land, nature and biodiversity projects supported by almost £2Billion of National Lottery funding since 1994.
The exhibition, at London’s Horniman Museum & Gardens, was unveiled by award-winning TV presenter and scientist, Liz Bonnin and radio and TV presenter, Mollie King.
Habitats of Hope was created in partnership with Georgia Tucker, an artist specialising in building immersive and sensory experiences that focus on sustainability and social challenges. It takes visitors on a journey through 4 different habitats, exploring the land, sky and sea, where they can meet some of the rarest creatures in the UK.
Visitors can sit under the ‘Tree of Life’ and listen to the distinctive croak of the Natterjack Toad, the call of the Curlew or the hiss of the Smooth Snake. They can colour in the bright hues of the Snowdon Rainbow Beetle, the striking blue of the Adonis Butterfly or the unmistakable red of the Ladybird Spider. Or they can simply relax and watch the entrancing movements of the elegant White-Tailed Eagle, the Great Yellow Bumblebee or the mysterious Serotine Bat.
Finally, visitors can read about the UK’s rarest lizard, largest ground beetle or longest sea skate, and why they are so crucial for our future.
The organisations featured in the exhibition include Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts, all of which have received National Lottery funding.
Speaking at the launch of Habitats of Hope, Liz Bonnin said the exhibition “celebrates the organisations dedicated to saving our endangered species at this crucial time for wildlife and biodiversity in the UK, while also helping to foster a collective sense of custodianship for our natural heritage.
“By showcasing the tireless efforts of those who are fighting for nature, this stunning exhibition not only highlights the importance of protecting the incredible wildlife on our doorstep, and how much we need healthy ecosystems to be able to thrive, but it’s a testament to what humans can achieve when at our best, inspiring us all to act for nature too.”
Mollie King added, “The Habitats of Hope’ exhibition is a great opportunity to share the incredible conservation work of many organisations supported by National Lottery Funding who make such a difference to the greater good of various animal species – protecting not only their future but also their habitats. The exhibition also aims to inspire people to make a change by doing whatever they can in their own lives to support animal wellbeing.”
The Habitats of Hope exhibition is open to the public and free to visit at the Horniman Museum & Gardens in Forest Hill, London, until 10th December 2023.
1st December 2023
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