Northumberland museum to host ice sculpture trail highlighting animals at risk from climate change

A Northumberland museum will host an ice trail over two days in January to highlight animals impacted by climate change.

Coal and Ice will include large-scale ice sculptures of animals at Woodhorn Museum, with the trail aiming to shine a light on the impact of climate change on animals from across the world. Organisers hope that it will encourage families and children to consider how they can reduce their carbon footprint in 2023.

As well as the sculptures, a large ice bridge will be created as part of the trail, with climate pledges by local schoolchildren and visitors to the museum frozen into the ice blocks. Children from across Northumberland have also helped selected the animals that will go on display at Coal and Ice .

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Rowan Brown, chief executive of Museums Northumberland, said: " Coal and Ice is a poignant reminder of the impact the climate crisis is having on wildlife and the long term future of some animal species. The trail around Woodhorn Museum is an opportunity for people to reflect on the role each of us can play in reducing our carbon emissions and achieving net zero.

Mr Brown suggested that Northumberland was leading the way in the development of low carbon energy, and added: " At Museums Northumberland we recognise the historic carbon impact of Woodhorn Colliery."

Coal and Ice at Woodhorn Museum (Handout - Museums Northumberland)

In addition to the ice sculpture trail, there will also be live ice carving and the opportunity for people to make their own polar bear masks. For more information on Coal and Ice at Woodhorn Museum and to book tickets, visit the Museums Northumberland website.

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