Exciting new show brings to life hidden story of Knaresborough’s ancient royal hunting forest
A historic but innovative exhibition has itself made history on its spectacular launch in Knaresborough town centre.
Called Knaresborough Forest, Community and Nature, reveals for the very first time the unknown story of Knaresborough’s ancient royal hunting forest – and it’s already attracted the attention of the TV news.
The stunning new exhibition, which opened to the public on March 4, is the work of Knaresborough Museum Association.
Kathy Allday, KMA Chair, who has been leading the exhibition team, said: "Our volunteers have spent the last year coming up not just with an informative exhibition but to create a sound and light show which brings the story of the former royal hunting forest to life.
"It captures the beauty of our local ancient woodland and the wildlife that lives there including rarities like the woodcock, unusual funghi like deadman’s fingers and 80 species of birds.”
The Knaresborough Forest, Community and Nature exhibition has been made possible by financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which gave KMA a grant of £10,000 towards the project.
The exhibition features a Son et Lumière presentation. an impressive floor to ceiling sound and light projection, showcasing the beauty of our local woodland through the changing seasons, and the historic sites that still remain in Knaresborough Forest.
Many interesting and unusual objects have been curated, including many everyday medieval and post medieval wooden and leather items that foresters would have had in their cottages.
Entry to Knaresborough Forest, Community and Nature is free and it will open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Organisers invite visitors to consider making a small donation to KMA to help to the running costs of Knaresborough Heritage Centre.
More information: https://knaresboroughtownmuseum.org.uk/
Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA), which was registered as a charity in May 2021, is a community-run hub providing events that celebrate the history, traditions and heritage of the Knaresborough area.
Its activities include exhibitions, open days, family heritage days, school workshops, talks, guided walks, research groups and oral history projects.
Its ethos is inclusive and aims to provide life-long learning opportunities for all.