The Collection

Hygiene
Everything in the collection has been thoroughly cleaned. The bones are soaked for several hours in a bleach solution and the feathers are washed in detergent. Most items are displayed in clear acrylic cases or on display boards. The deer bones, antlers, some tiny vole bones and a mixture of feathers are put out on the tables so that they can be picked up and handled. I provide anti-bacterial soap when I visit a school. If the children are dissecting owl pellets, I provide disposable gloves, plastic dishes and tweezers.

Size
The collection fills a classroom or small hall and covers twelve tables (approx 1m x 0.5m). Large display boards with wildlife photos, stand at the back of the tables. The collection looks extremely bright and vibrant as the exhibits are mounted on coloured cards, with photos of the animals in their natural environment. There is an amazing variety of textures and colours. Teachers often comment on how beautifully the collection is displayed.

Visits so far
In the last two years, the collection has been seen by over 7,500 children in primary schools and nurseries, mainly in Kingston and Richmond. It has also been shown at the London Wetland Centre, Richmond Park Open Day, Orleans House Spring Safari, Bushy Park Big Draw Event and Bird World.

 Fantastic variety of specimens to look at, well presented and easy for the children to access. Very practical and hands on, great for independence and for them to explore and investigate. The slideshow was very informative. Lovely to be linked to the local wildlife!