Brighton: Museum unveils first new diorama in 92 years

Jazmine Miles Long carried out the taxidermy work on the animals that form part of the display

An East Sussex museum has unveiled its first new diorama in almost a century, inspired by wildlife in the city against a backdrop of climate change.

The Booth Museum in Brighton unveiled the three-dimensional model, entitled Life in the Garden, on Saturday.

Museum staff worked from the feedback of locals, including 2,000 children, to develop the diorama of an urban garden.

The natural history museum said it wanted the new display to "celebrate the multitude" of city wildlife.

Ceryl Evans, Brighton & Hove Museums director of engagement and public programmes, said: "Our consultation showed climate crisis is contributing to anxiety and depression, especially with children and young people and that people really want to do their bit in combating climate change.

"We wanted our new diorama to reflect this as well as celebrate the multitude of wildlife found in our city."

The Booth Museum was founded in 1874 by Brighton-based naturalist and collector, Edward Thomas Booth

The model is a 360 degree view of an urban garden, where animals can be seen living, hunting and eating together around a bird feeder.

Stuffed birds, bees and a fox can be seen congregating in the garden display.

The taxidermy work was carried out by Jazmine Miles Long, who only works with animals that have died of natural causes or been killed by accident, the museum said.

The museum said it wants its displays to connect people to the city and its surrounding wildlife

The museum said it would like its collections to "nurture a joy of wildlife amidst a backdrop of climate anxiety" and wanted its displays to "connect people to the city and the wildlife surrounding us".

The diorama is on display to the public at the Booth Museum of Natural History in Dyke Road.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].