For information From: Steve Head, WLG Forum [mailto:w...@stephenmhead.com] Sent: 22 September 2015 17:04 To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Wildlife Gardening Forum: Threat to the Natural History Museum Wildlife Garden
Dear Forum Member, I'm writing to let you know that the Natural History Museum has plans to upgrade its grounds, with the loss of the greater part of the unique Wildlife Garden, which many of you will have visited and studied during our conferences, in order to improve access for visitors and reduce queues. You can read about the changes and sign a petition if you feel strongly at http://bit.ly/saveNHMwildlife or read on for a little more background. While some aspects of the wide-reaching proposals are sensible and constructive, we on the Forum Board are dismayed that the wildlife garden (which is a unique creation of several important lowland British habitats) will be lost. In the 20 years since its creation, studies by museum scientists have found upwards of three thousand species in its small area, and it has been (and should continue) as a case study in evolving urban biodiversity. It is the only living part of the Museum's display to remind us of the importance and appeal of live biodiversity. The museum's website states: " Outside the west of the Museum the existing wildlife garden will be expanded to cover a space three times its current size. This dedicated green space will create sustainable new habitats and a place to feel closer to nature in the city. " Outside the west of the Museum the existing wildlife garden will be expanded to cover a space three times its current size. This dedicated green space will create sustainable new habitats and a place to feel closer to nature in the city. - See more at: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2015/august/grounds-transformation-progresses.html#sthash.bgVkF6P4.dpuf Outside the west of the Museum the existing wildlife garden will be expanded to cover a space three times its current size. This dedicated green space will create sustainable new habitats and a place to feel closer to nature in the city. - See more at: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2015/august/grounds-transformation-progresses.html#sthash.bgVkF6P4.dpuf ( http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2015/august/grounds-transformation-progresses.html ) This statement overlooks the destruction of existing functional habitats, which are being replaced by a designer-driven area of isolated architectural terraces and a large circular pond. The area managed for biodiversity will be more than halved and the suggested expanded area will be park-like in form. An early form of the design can be seen at: http://www.kimwilkie.com/london/natural-history-museum/ - but the latest design has retained a little more of the present garden, indicating there may still be room for some sensible compromise. For people living in London, there is a consultation display of the plans from 24 to 26 September 2015. The display will be open to the public in the Darwin Centre wing of the Museum. Representatives from the Museum and the design team will be present to answer any questions. Opening times are: • 10.00-16:00 on 24 September • 12:00-18:00 on 25 September • 10:00-13:00 on 26 September 4 to 26 September 2015. The display will be open to the public in the Darwin Centre wing of the Museum. Representatives from the Museum and the design team will be present to answer any questions you may have. You have the following opportunities to see the display: • 10.00-16:00 on 24 September • 12:00-18:00 on 25 September • 10:00-13:00 on 26 September - See more at: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2015/august/grounds-transformation-progresses.html#sthash.VuLmgQkf.dpuf If you are able to go to the display, please let us know your feelings, and any assurances you may have been offered. For the rest of us, you can read Ken Thompson's article from the Telegraph at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardens-to-visit/natural-history-museums-new-garden/ - and if you agree with us,please join the petition at http://bit.ly/saveNHMwildlife It isn't too late to reach a better compromise before the museum applies for planning permission.-- Wildlife Gardening Forum Coordinator Dr Stephen Head 17, Honey Lane Cholsey, Oxon OX10 9NL 07923 473907 The Wildlife Gardening Forum is Registered Charity 1156608
