A new exhibition opens this weekend at The Wollaton Dovecote Museum, marking two significant milestones for natural history in Wollaton. This year commemorates 100 years since The Natural History Museum at Wollaton Hall opened to the public in 1926, just a year after the sale of the hall and estate. The museum built on the legacy of Sir Francis Willoughby, the 17th-century naturalist often called the father of botany. Francis assembled an extensive collection of "dried birds, fish, insects, shells, seeds, minerals and plants." Three hundred years later, Wollaton today houses the largest dedicated Natural History museum in the county, with a collection of 750,000 objects across the Museums service.
Fifty years after the museum's opening, the Wollaton Natural History Society was formed in 1976. The society meets monthly throughout the year and promotes the study and appreciation of the natural world through illustrated talks, guided walks, recording, and publications.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition at the Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum has been curated by the Natural History Society. It features stunning local wildlife photography alongside natural history specimens. The museum will be officially opened for the summer by Nigel Downes, Chairman of the Wollaton Natural History Society, on Sunday, May 10 at 2:15 PM. Drinks will be served, and visitors can take a first look at the displays. A guided walk around the village will follow at 3:15 PM. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
The Dovecote Museum
The Dovecote is one of the oldest buildings in the village, pre-dating the completion of Wollaton Hall. Built around 1565 by Sir Francis Willoughby in fine hand-made red brick, it features his initials in black brick above the main door. The Dovecote Museum garden first received a prestigious Green Flag award in 2019, recognizing achievement of a national standard for parks and green spaces, and has continued to win it every year since. The museum and garden are run and cared for by the Wollaton Historical & Conservation Society. Entry to the museum is free, with donations welcome.
For more information and opening times, please visit www.wollatonhistorical.com.
