Antique 'dead' plants dug out for climate study

In the heart of Yorkshire, a fascinating project is underway at the Leeds Museums and Galleries. This initiative focuses on studying a vast collection of preserved plants and flowers, known as herbarium sheets. These sheets, which are essentially dried plants pressed onto paper, have been collected over the past 200 years. Clare Brown, the curator of natural sciences at the museum, is leading this important project. She aims to understand how pollution and air quality have changed over time by examining these antique specimens. The museum is collaborating with Space2, a charity based in Gipton that focuses on arts and social change, to sift through their impressive collection of 250,000 herbarium sheets. Clare Brown expressed her hopes for the project, stating that it would enhance our understanding of climate change and local biodiversity in Leeds. She remarked, 'Our herbarium collection is not only a remarkably beautiful resource, it's also a hugely important and detailed record of how plant life and the natural world in Leeds have evolved over the past 200 years. ' By connecting this incredible collection with the local community, people will have the chance to explore their history and learn how plants were used in the past for various purposes, including food and medicine. The practice of creating herbarium sheets dates back to the 15th Century in Italy. When preserved correctly, these sheets can last for centuries. The plants are currently stored at the Leeds Discovery Centre, where they will be studied by local residents who live in the areas where these plants once thrived. Paul Barker, co-director of Space2, shared his excitement about the project, hoping it would raise awareness of the area's rich history and environment. He noted, 'There is a huge amount of pride and passion in our communities for the green spaces across east Leeds, as well as concern about climate change and biodiversity loss. ' The researchers will also be adding new specimens to the collection to document how nature and biodiversity in Leeds have transformed over the last two centuries. This project has received funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, which supports initiatives like this one. The combination of history, environmental awareness, and creativity in this project is truly exciting.