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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Natural history collection
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The natural history collections at Paisley Museum consist of an estimated 70,000 specimens. Our collections show the range of natural sciences from plants and animals to rocks, fossils and minerals.
They show the diversity of life both past and present and although most specimens originate from the local area of Renfrewshire, there is a considerable amount of material from elsewhere in Britain and abroad.
Natural history formed the bulk of collections acquired by the museum when it was first opened in 1871.
They show the diversity of life both past and present and although most specimens originate from the local area of Renfrewshire, there is a considerable amount of material from elsewhere in Britain and abroad.
Natural history formed the bulk of collections acquired by the museum when it was first opened in 1871.
The first curator Morris Young was a prominent local entomologist whose extensive insect collection still survives in the museum today.
Other collections have been donated by local naturalists keen to ensure that the biological data held within their collections is used to inform and inspire people about the natural world.
Other collections have been donated by local naturalists keen to ensure that the biological data held within their collections is used to inform and inspire people about the natural world.
Natural history collections play a fundamental role in education, interpretation and scientific research.
Historical studies of the world around us provide an enormous wealth of information about the organisms that have lived, and are living, on Earth.
This vast accumulation of scientific data enables us to gain a better understanding of the natural world, to investigate changes in evolution and to recognise the delicate relationships between species and their habitats.
Historical studies of the world around us provide an enormous wealth of information about the organisms that have lived, and are living, on Earth.
This vast accumulation of scientific data enables us to gain a better understanding of the natural world, to investigate changes in evolution and to recognise the delicate relationships between species and their habitats.
And of course no visit is complete without seeing Buddy the Lion!
Generations of children have been delighted by Buddy, and have made him a 'must see' display when they visit Paisley Museum.
But did you know that he was named in a children's competion to mark his 70th birthday in 1999?
Renfrewshire Arts and Museums care for a wealth of treasures, from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to reminders of our industrial past and our natural heritage.
Contact us
Curators for all the collections are based at Paisley Museum, please arrange an appointment if you have a specific request.
- email ram.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone 0141 889 3151
- Paisley Museum High Street, Paisley PA1 2BA
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