A quote by Sir David Attenborough in bronze lettering has been revealed by the broadcaster and natural historian, in the grounds of the Natural History Museum.
The quote has been installed to overlook the new gardens of the museum, which are due to open in spring 2024. The garden is part of the Museum’s Urban Nature Project, and will see the five-acre gardens become an area encouraging and providing education around biodiversity.
Attenborough visited the museum to unveil the quote which is now installed on the east carriage ramp outside the Museum’s main entrance.
The quote reads: “The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands”.
At the unveiling, Sir David Attenborough said: “I hope the Urban Nature Project and the new gardens at the Museum will take learning into the open air and inspire young people to continue to value, understand and support the natural world on their doorsteps and far beyond.”
The Museum’s existing Wildlife Garden will be extended to double the area of native habitats within the grounds, with the aim of better supporting, monitoring and managing the animal and plant life diversity.
The gardens will also be home to scientific sensors gathering environmental DNA and acoustic data, to monitor urban nature.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said, “We were honoured to welcome Sir David Attenborough to the Museum to unveil his powerful and inspiring words which will overlook our new gardens.
“Through the Urban Nature Project, the Museum is encouraging visitors and young people to explore natural history in a new way, giving them the tools to look to the future and safeguard nature in towns and cities.”
In 2019 Attenborough was recognised with a Special Recognition Award at the Museums + Heritage Awards.
Sir David Attenborough alongside the newly installed quote at the Natural History Museum (credit The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London)
