Woodhorn Museum launches campaign to grow its Wild Wood

Woodhorn Museum has launched a new fundraising campaign to enhance and expand its Wild Wood, a dedicated outdoor space designed to support wildlife, promote wellbeing, and bring the local community closer to nature.

The Wild Wood is currently maintained by 21 volunteers from Age Concern UK, who meet weekly to care for the site, develop planting schemes, and carry out small-scale environmental projects. It also plays an essential role in the museum’s programming including regular nature-themed activities for families and is used by the by Northumberland Wildlife Trust as part of their Nature for Health sessions.

The Museum now hopes to raise £5000 through the campaign which will support the creation of a multi-sensory garden for families with children who have additional needs, as well as a tranquil contemplation spot for visitors.

The expansion forms part of Woodhorn Museum’s broader commitment to raising awareness about environmental sustainability and the climate crisis. By introducing new trees, plants, growing areas and dedicated habitats, the museum aims to increase biodiversity, attract more wildlife, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, strengthening the local ecosystem while helping to store carbon and lower environmental impact.

The expanded Wild Wood will provide meaningful benefits for the local community, providing a quiet, accessible space that promotes wellbeing for both volunteers and visitors. It will also enrich the Museum’s nature-themed programming for schools and families, with particular value for children and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities through sensory-based activities that encourage exploration, calm, and connection.

Jo Raw, Northumberland Venues Manager, North East Museums, said:

"This campaign is a really exciting opportunity to develop our Wild Wood into a space that supports both the wellbeing of our community and the needs of local wildlife. We know that time spent in nature can have a real impact on mental health, and we hope the new sensory garden and contemplation areas will offer a calm, welcoming space for people of all ages to take a breath and connection with nature.

"It’s also a chance for our Age UK volunteers to take on new challenges, build skills, and work alongside younger groups - helping to reduce social isolation and strengthen connections across the community, while contributing to a space that brings people together and supports the local environment in a meaningful way."

The Wild Wood campaign runs from 5 August to 16 September with every £1 donated during the campaign doubled by Aviva Community Fund.

To find out more about the Wild Wood campaign or if you would like to donate, visit: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/wild-wood