WHEN you see exhibits in a museum you may assume they’ve all been uncovered by experts in far flung places, but a new exhibition in Pembrokeshire is highlighting how everyone can make amazing discoveries closer to home.
Curated by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and hosted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids, On Your Doorstep aims to inspire everyone to explore the nature, geology and archaeology that exists all around us, and enjoy the health and well-being benefits this can bring.
The exhibition, which opened on 1 April, includes fantastic finds and fascinating facts on discoveries from all over Pembrokeshire, ranging from coin hoards and jewellery to the very first scalariform snail to be spotted in Wales.
The gallery will also include information on what to look out for when you’re exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast or wherever you roam, and how to report and research your findings, including advice on how to responsibly start your own collection.
Ulrike Smalley, Exhibitions Manager – Community and Touring for Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales, said: “We’re proud of our commitment to making the national collections as widely available as possible and we hope that by displaying these exciting finds from Pembrokeshire, local people in the area will be encouraged to get out and about and discover the word around them.”
National Park Authority Director of Countryside, Community & Visitor Services, James Parkin, said: “Following the difficulties of the last few years, we’ve all grown to appreciate the treasures ‘on our doorstep’ just a little bit more. This exciting new exhibition, developed in partnership with the National Museum of Wales, reminds us of the vital role that local nature and culture provides in supporting our well-being.
“In addition, with Covid-19 restrictions beginning to lift, more of us are getting an opportunity explore the spectacular coastline of Pembrokeshire and the exhibition reminds us to tread lightly and ‘do the small things’ in order to cherish, protect and enhance the very things that make the National Park such a special place to live, work and visit.”
Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre is owned and managed by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.
On Your Doorstep will be open at Oriel y Parc from 10am-4pm every day from Friday 1 April 2022 until Spring 2023. Entry is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.
