The Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Natural History Museum’s Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity on Wednesday to learn more about how it is working to support UK wildlife
The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity is “a unique scientific hub dedicated to the study of the UK’s natural world,” per a blog post on the Natural History Museum’s website about Kate’s visit.
The Centre helps visitors identify any wildlife they find and trains them in “wildlife identification and leads research and citizen science projects that are helping to transform our understanding of the more than 80,000 species of wildlife known to exist in the UK today.”
During her visit, Kate met with Sir Michael Dixon, the Museum’s Director, and Head of the Angela Marmont Centre, Dr John Tweddle, and Head of Learning and Audiences, Beth Stone. Dr Tweddle and Dr Stone are “jointly spearheading efforts to revolutionise the study of UK wildlife and engage young people with the nature on their doorstep.”
The press release from Kensington Palace noted that “The Duchess is a strong advocate for the positive impact that nature and the outdoors can have on our physical and mental wellbeing, and in particular for childhood development.
“Alongside its national programme of activity, the Natural History Museum aims to inspire its millions of visitors to act for nature. The museum is forging partnerships across the UK to empower school children, families and local communities to help protect the wildlife in urban areas.”
Kate has long championed nature and the outdoors for young people, most recently with her Back to Nature Gardens, her appearances on CBBC’s Blue Peter programme, and her support of Backyard Nature UK.
During her visit, Kate saw insect specimens and how DNA sequencing is used to “detect and identify the miniscule insects and microorganisms that play an important, if hidden, role in healthy environments.”
The Museum’s blog post continued, saying that “the Museum is aiming to inspire the more than five million visitors it welcomes each year alongside its national programme of activity to empower people to act for nature.
“With the likelihood of a child visiting green spaces having halved in a generation, it has never been more important to excite young people about wildlife. The Museum is responding to this challenge by forging partnerships across the UK to empower school children, families and local communities to help protect the wildlife in urban areas.”
Sir Michael Dixon, Museum Director said on Kate’s patron page on the Museum’s official website that “The Duchess’s support is helping us challenge how people think about the natural world.
“We are at a critical moment in humanity’s existence. Our role is not just to explain the challenge, but to inform the choices that will shape the world for the next generation, and to inspire future generations of scientists and explorers.”
Kate became patron of the Natural History Museum in 2013 and has visited and supported many of its projects and exhibitions over the years.
