This exhibition was specifically designed for the amateur naturalist and countryside enthusiast.
The gallery depicts a wide range of habitats, and features - as specimens, models or photographs - many of the animal and plant species found in Britain.
An introductory area traces changes in the British landscape, plants and animals from the last Ice Age, (20,000 years ago) to the present day. It then looks at the impact of human beings on the environment and suggests ways in which we can conserve natural habitats.
Another exhibit introduces the principles of identification and gives you the chance to identify some real plants and animals.
The main exhibition, up the stairs, is divided into seven areas. These correspond to the major habitats recognized in Britain today: woodland, seashore, urban and wasteland, freshwater, field and downland, heath, moor and highland, and estuary, saltmarsh and sand dune. Each section shows some of the characteristic wildlife of that habitat as well as giving useful environmental information.
Illustrations:
