HOPE for the Future – Heritage, Outreach and Preservation of Entomology | Oxford University Museum of Natural History

HOPE for the Future is an ambitious project to protect and share the Museum of Natural History's unique and irreplaceable British insect collection.

Containing over one million specimens - including dozens of iconic species now considered extinct in the UK - it offers us an extraordinary window into the natural world and the ways it has changed over the last 200 years.

Donate to the HOPE Appeal

HOPE Great green bush crickets with Oxford University Museum of Natural History arch

The British Insect Collection

The Museum's British Insect Collection represents all insect groups from butterflies, beetles and bees to flies to fleas and is ‘Designated’ by Arts Council England as being of national and international importance.

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Why Donate?

There are plenty of reasons to support to the HOPE Appeal. Find out how we're using generous donations from members of the public like you.

Support

Image showing completed paper insects from a make your own beetle activity

HOPE Learning Resources

Visit our learning resources page to enjoy insect-related activities. Explore British insects, learning resources for schools and home, and more!

Learn

Image showing three rows of pinned Coleoptera specimens from the HOPE insect collection. The insects are black with some brown on their wings.

Crunchy on the Outside (for young entomologists)

Follow our blog to discover news about insects and the natural world! You'll also learn more about what goes on at the museum behind the scenes, and find out about some of the people who are working with insects and trying to protect them. Oh... and there'll be plenty of ideas for new things for you to make and do!

Visit Our Blog