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Eton College Collections has launched their first online only exhibition: Creatures of the Wild Wood available here. Using the Wild Wood display in Eton’s Natural History Museum as a starting point, this virtual exhibition explores the richness of the local Thames Valley woodland and urges its visitors to learn more about the nature on their doorstep.

The exhibition allows visitors to delve in Eton College’s natural history collections and archives from home, guiding them in identifying species and detecting how creatures adapt to their environment. The woodland at the centrepiece of the exhibition is one of the many diverse ecosystems on our planet, and sadly one of the places closer to home where we can see the impact of climate change.

We hope visitors are inspired to look, listen and track more of the wildlife around them. The online gallery allows you to share photos of your explorations, charting the changing of the seasons from winter to spring!

Whilst the exhibition and its activities are aimed primarily at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 level, there is plenty to interest older children and adults too

Rebecca Tessier, Museums Officer

The Collections also hosted their first online family event during February half term, using Creatures of the Wild Wood at its core. Families from local primary schools gathered on Zoom to explore adaptations, habitats and food-chains together, led by Collections Education Officer Saskia Nesja. After a talk and Q&A with Eton’s Natural History Museum Director George Fussey, they took part in a quiz and a series of art activities using craft packs, which had been sent out in advance. The exhibition is also being circulated among local and national primary schools to highlight the Natural History Museum collections as a remote learning resource.

I was delighted with the event, the girls thoroughly enjoyed it.  In particular they enjoyed the woodland trail and were very pleased with themselves for spotting the daffodils!

Participant, Family Learning Event