The Natural History Museum has moved to allay fears that a wildlife garden will be irreversibly damaged as part of extensive renovation plans.
Nearly 40,000 people have signed a petition objecting to the South Kensington museum’s proposal to build a path through the middle of the one-acre garden, which was set up 20 years ago on the west side of the museum building and is home to 3,000 species of flora and fauna.
It fears more than half of the garden will be either lost or uprooted under the proposals, and is calling on museum director Sir Michael Dixon and his management team to halt the “damaging plans” and come up with an alternative option.
But the museum say the petition offers a misleading view by suggesting the garden is being destroyed.
A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to say that we are actually doubling the size of the Wildlife Garden and that 76% of the planting in it will be retained.”
'We would hope to see even more species in the future'
The proposed changes will see visitors walk along the path and through the gardens to enter the museum.
The spokesperson continued: “Fewer than 2% of our visitors actually visit and enjoy the Garden at the moment.
"With over five million visitors every year, we have an incredible opportunity – and responsibility – to inspire many more people learn about nature.
“Our specialist knowledge means we are well-placed to care for any species that might be disturbed. By making better connected, larger habitats for them to flourish, we would hope to see even more species in the future.”
The oasis was set up by a team of scientists in 1995 to recreate the dozen or so habitats of lowland, and is home to animals ranging from moorhens and great tits through to smooth newts and damselflies, while plants include bee and common spotted orchids.
The petition has been signed by 38,000 and was set up by Mike Weiler, a member of the Prospect union, which represents museum specialists.
'It can't be replaced overnight'
He said: “The plans that we have seen seem to be all about efficiently channelling large numbers of people through the garden towards the Darwin Centre and the other museum buildings, rather than enhancing the wildlife or encouraging any interaction.
“The Wildlife Garden has evolved over two decades. It can’t be replaced overnight. It has taken many years to build up the 2,600 species of plant and animal life that can now be found there and careful management and dedication is required to maintain each distinct habitat.”
The plans are expected to be discussed at a Kensington and Chelsea planning meeting taking place on Tuesday (July 26).
The petition can be viewed online here .
