MUSEUMS & HERITAGE 6

In 2020 discover the past, present and future at the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, with an array of exciting new exhibits and temporary exhibitions and events on offer. Situated between the Georgian town’s iconic mines and harbour, this heritage and arts venue tells the story of historic Copeland, which boasts two World heritage Sites set amongst the dramatic vistas of the Western lake District. Visitors can expect something quite different as part of their upcoming visit, with a modernisation programme being rolled out throughout 2020. Featuring a range of new digital interactives, the changes will compliment and expand the current collection on show within the Beacon Museum. From new touchscreen exhibits to virtual reality experiences that bring the streets of Georgian Whitehaven to life, there will be something new for all tastes. Dates for your diary: Beacon Digital Expo 2020. January 2020: Discover a range of new interactives in the fourth floor viewing gallery. New Weather interactive and digital townscapes through the ages. October 2020: Digital redevelopment of the permanent third floor Changing Times exhibition. Virtual Reality Georgian house experience, life in the mines immersive interactive experience and a new Iron Age Sword digital exhibit.What’s more, visitors can see a range of touring and temporary local exhibitions over the year. Check online for details.

_____________________________________________________________ Phil Rigby: A Portrait of Cumbria 7 December 2019 – 15 March 2020 Photographer Phil Rigby showcases many of his highlights originally seen in Cumbria Life Magazine over the last decade, as well as photographs from his own personal collection. In his own words. “The combination of fascinating people and an extraordinary landscape helps to make Cumbria a special place to live and work.” Breaking the Waves: Whitehaven’s maritime story 25 January – 22 March 2020 Daniel Defoe once described Whitehaven as the third "most eminent port in England for the shipping off of coals". From the early sailors that journeyed out from Whitehaven to the twentieth century stalwart vessels that kept its harbour running, this exhibition uncovers lesser known stories from the sea, featuring artefacts and artwork seldom seen by the public.

Bears: A Seven Stories Exhibition 28 March – 28 June 2020

Meet literature’s most famous bears including Rupert and Winnie-the-Pooh, before discovering new stories filled with polar bears, panda bears and toy bears. Artwork and manuscripts featured in the exhibition will include Hugless Douglas, and We're Going on a Bear Hunt, all set amongst colourful interactive props and a bear's cave!

West Coast Photo 2020 28 March - 31 May

This exciting new photographic exhibition is part of a year-long programme celebrating the West Coast of Cumbria through creative digital and photographic projects. The exhibition brings together for the first time a wide collection of photographs and video works by more than 20 local and national artists and photography enthusiasts, exploring the ways photographers, filmmakers and artists have documented the West Coast of Cumbria from the early 20th Century to now.

Discover more about all temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, including information on admission rates and special events at; www.thebeaconwhitehaven.co.uk or via Facebook, Twitter andTripadvisor. Tel: 01946 592302

Allerdale has a number of unspoilt nature reserves including coastal and wetlands. Watchtreee Nature reserve on the former RAF Great Orton air eld is a haven for wildlife and a truly inspirational place for both wildlife and visitors. It features ower rich meadows, old and new woodlands, miles of hedgerow and wetland habitats.

There are Brown Hares in abundance, the European protected Great crested Newt and numerous bredding birds, moths, butter ies, bats and dragon ies.

Near workington there are two Local Nature Reserves, Harrington and Siddick Ponds which host regular community events and volunteering.

Watchtree is a haven for wildlife, with accessible footpaths and trails leading through ower meadows , wetlands and woodlands. Home to over 60 species of birds . You might also nd mammals such as Brown Hare and Roe Deer, amphibians like frogs and newts or invertebrates including moths. butter ies and dragon ies. Information boards around the reserve will intrigue and inspire young and old alike. The watchtree Wheelers is a cycle hire facility within the reserve. It’s a great way to explore and fun for everyone!

Regardless of ability we’ll have something to get you rolling. Our extensive eet includes trikes, recumbents , hand cycles, companion cycles and more.

FREE PARKING FREE ENTRY (Donations appreciated ) VISITORS CENTRE AND CAFE ACCESSIBLE TOILETS PICNIC AREAS WHEELCHAIR AND BUGGY FRIENDLY TRAILS ACCESSIBLE BIRD HIDES

Find more about the reserve , facilities and special events at www.watchtree.co.uk or nd us on watchtree

wildlife

Set against the backdrop of the Skidaw massif, THE LAKE DISTRICT WILDLIFE PARK covers 24 acres of parkland with over 100 species of wild and domestic animals, cared for in this beautiful setting by their quali ed and highly motivated keepers.

A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of the park’s favourites

Their work primarily focuses on two key animal conservation projects and the conservation and development of farmland and woodland on the 350 acre Armathwaite Hall Estate.. They also support other projects in conjunction with BIAZA and other zoo’s in the UK . With conservation at the heart of their ethos they actively support three charities and as BIAZA members they participate in six endagered species programmes and jointly manage two SSSl sites on the shores of Bassenthwaite. www.lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk