Learn about nature, adaption and the enviroment through the bones of animals. Being able to touch and examine skulls up close is a unique educational experience; leading into discussion about why they look a certain way - sharp teeth, long horns, big eyes - helping form a better understanding of animals, biology, and evolution.
All ages and abilities can appreciate being able to hold, feel, and move objects while learning. Discovering how bones fit together, and thinking about the animals they come from, can help develop an interest in natural history and the world around us.
Children are especially captivated by bones, many have only seen them in dinosaur books or behind glass in a museum. Having permission to interact with them can be exciting and novel, engaging their mind and making it more likely they will remember some interesting facts from their experience.
Adults are often surprised to learn new things about animals, or have a quiet moment of pride when they are able to identify a skull. Informative, interactive stalls are a great opening for conversations about the enviroment, and the impact humans can have on wildlife.
Visiting schools, youth groups and more for a hands-on learning session! Skull guessing game, drawing diagrams, and Owl Pellet Dissections (when available)
Running a table at local community events - a selection of skulls and bones for the public to handle while learning about the animals they come from.
Not all animals have bones - learn about exoskeletons and minibeasts with the help of some invertebrates!
I'm Sharna, and I've been doing outreach education with Natural History Specimens since 2016. I've always had a passion for animals, nature and the enviroment, and have been collecting and learning from animal bones for well over a decade. My enthusiasm for animals and anatomy led me to study a National Diploma in Animal Management, and to work at an RSPCA Wildlife Hospital for 7 years and counting. My specimens come in very useful there, helping to teach Veterinary, Animal Care and Wildlife Crime students.
I occasionally work with the local Rural Crime team, identifying bones reported by members of the public. I lived in the Scottish countryside, as a Ranger, teaching about nature and wildlife for a year and a half.
All of the bones I use have been ethically collected. Most are from animals I have sadly found dead in nature, on the roads, or are casualties from wildlife rehabilitation that unfortunately did not make it. Others are old veterinary and museum specimens that I have given a new purpose, or are lifelike artificial replicas. Absolutely no animals were harmed for their bones to be used in my sessions. I hope to inspire people to want to protect animals, and to take care of the enviroment with the experiences I provide. All bones are professionally cleaned, sanitised, and safe to handle.
I'm liscened by Natural England (2019-42391-SCI-SCI) and NatureScot (212749) to possess European Protected Species for the purposes of education. I have been providing educational experiences with Natural History Specimens since 2016, both on my own and alongside other organisations such as the RSPCA. I have visited Primary Schools, Nursery groups and Brownie/Scout Groups across Sussex, as well as hosting information tables at public events hosted by the RSPCA, Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, and local wildlife and enviromental charities. I've given a presentation on skulls, the beach and the impact of litter on the enviroment and our native wildlife to groups of adults at an event run by Strandliners. I've led guided walks and talks about nature, and used specimens to aid learning for primary school classes and families as a Ranger on a Scottish Estate.
