Wild: Inspiring action for a Wild future

By Dr David Gelsthorpe, Wild exhibition Curator

An imaginative step towards a more sustainable future

In the midst of an environmental crisis, where biodiversity loss and climate change dominate the headlines, it’s easy to feel a sense of paralysis. The scale of the problem can leave us overwhelmed, questioning what, if anything, we can do to make a difference. But Manchester Museum’s special exhibition, Wild, is designed to challenge that outlook, inspiring us to take action, no matter how small. 

Wild is not just another exhibition; it’s a call to arms. This landmark exhibition aims to shift our thinking on one of the most urgent issues of our time. More than that, it seeks to empower us all to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and renewal of the natural world. And while that may sound like a lofty ambition, we believe that this exhibition has the power to spark real, positive change.

A new definition of “wild”

When Wild was first conceived, it was focused primarily on the concept of rewilding—an approach to conservation that involves letting nature take the lead, often by restoring ecosystems to a point before human intervention. In recent years, rewilding has gained considerable attention, with inspiring stories from across the UK, such as the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone and the Knepp Rewilding Project in Sussex. These stories have captured imaginations, offering hope that, with the right intervention, nature can heal itself.

However, as the exhibition began to take shape, it became clear that Wild had to be about much more than just rewilding. The idea of “wild” means different things to different people, and what works in one place may not be applicable in another. As a result, Wild has evolved into an exploration of the broader relationship between humans and nature—one that challenges our perceptions and invites us to think critically about how we define and connect with the natural world. 

Wild is not just about restoring landscapes or reintroducing species; it’s about rethinking how we live with nature and the role we play in its future. It asks: What kind of world do we want to live in, and what are we willing to do to make it a reality?

Empowering action, big and small

The ambition of Wild lies not just in its content, but in its purpose. The exhibition aims to offer hope at a time when many of us may feel powerless. By highlighting inspiring global projects—such as the Knepp Rewilding Project in Sussex, community-driven efforts in Manchester, and the cultural revegetation of previously colonial land in south-west Australia by the Noongar people—Wild paints a picture of what is possible when people take collective action to restore the natural world.

But the exhibition is not just for conservationists or environmental activists. It speaks to everyone, from families living in urban areas to policymakers and researchers. Wild is designed to be relevant for all ages and walks of life, offering visitors a chance to reflect on their own relationship with nature and consider how they might contribute to its renewal.

For some, the answer may be as simple as noticing nature in a way they never have before. For others, it may mean taking direct action—whether that’s participating in a local conservation project, donating to a charity, or changing the way we consume resources. The key message of Wild is that there is no one “right” way to get involved. What matters is that we all do something.

Beyond traditional conservation

One of the most refreshing aspects of Wild is its refusal to conform to traditional notions of conservation. The exhibition highlights how people are taking fresh, creative approaches to protecting nature—whether through community-led projects, rethinking land management, or embracing Indigenous knowledges that have long been overlooked.

By showcasing examples of activism and inspiring stories from around the world, Wild challenges visitors to question the conventional wisdom about what it means to protect nature. It invites us to look beyond the conventional and ask: What does wild mean to me, and how can I contribute to it?

Through the Museum’s own extraordinary collections—spanning everything from plants and animals to cultural artefacts—Wild brings to life the stories of species once thought lost forever, like the Purple Emperor butterfly now thriving at Knepp, and the return of wolves to Yellowstone. These real-world examples of hope show that change is not only possible; it’s happening right now.

A museum for the future

Wild speaks to both elements of Manchester Museum’s mission to build understanding between cultures and a more sustainable world. By offering a platform for diverse voices—from Aboriginal elders to community activists and scientists—Wild provides visitors with the opportunity to embrace new perspectives on environmental issues. It encourages us to think about what we value, why we value it, and what we’re willing to do to protect it.

Ultimately, Wild asks us to consider: How can we help create a world that is wilder, more sustainable, and more connected to nature? And, just as importantly, what are we prepared to do about it?

As we face the challenges of the 21st century, Wild offers us a glimpse of a better future—one where everyone, regardless of background or location, can make a meaningful contribution to the protection and restoration of the natural world. It’s a vision of hope, action, and change. And it’s a reminder that we all have a part to play in shaping the future of our planet.

Wild is a free exhibition at Manchester Museum.
It runs until 1 June 2025
Find out more and book your free ticket.

Photography credits:

Nowanup landscape courtesy of Esme Ward

Deer in Knepp courtesy Knepp Estate

Wild exhibition photography by Tobias Longmate