Herbarium Conservation in Action
Discover Calke Abbey's historic 19th century herbarium and watch conservation work happening in real time, with the chance to ask the conservator questions and find out more about the history of the collection.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Calke's herbarium - a collection of pressed plants and flowers - will be formally documented for the first time this summer.
Having been in storage for decades, the team will be examining each specimen's condition, with the hope of displaying it in the future. Containing all sorts from geraniums to brambles and with some specimens coming from as far away as Scotland and the Isles of Scilly (with others from right here on the Calke estate), it's a library of flora that will be able to tell us a lot about local biodiversity during the 1830s-1920s.
A dedicated team of volunteers will also be photographing the collection in order to 'digitise' it, so that more people will be able to access the herbarium online.
Pop into the Dining Room on the selected dates to watch the team at work and ask them about what they're up to. Don't forget to check out our programme of botanical-themed events inspired by the herbarium too.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
The Dining Room is located on the first floor of the house, accessible via stairs. There is a wheelchair available to borrow on the first floor. Assistance animals are welcome. Accessible toilets can be found in the gardens or the stableyards - there are no toilets inside the house.
- Meeting point
Conservation will be taking place in the Dining Room, on the first floor of the house.
- Suitability for children
All ages welcome.
- Other
Assistance dogs only.
Upcoming events
On Screen at Calke Abbey
Follow in the footsteps of Tommy Shelby and uncover how 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' was brought to life at Calke Abbey.
Local Treasure, Global Connections: Museum Room Display
Discover this year's Museum Room display and take a closer look at Calke’s State Bed hangings. Still in near- perfect condition, these Chinese silk hangings are a treasure of the National Trust.
Capturing Childhood in the Nurseries at Calke
Explore the nurseries and meet the Harpur Crewe family through a series of large scale photographs, supported by CEWE. Dress up, play and read as the children would have done.
Wondrous Wildflowers Guided Walk
Join our expert volunteers for a guided walk in the park to see some of the fabulous wildflowers we have growing on the estate.