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Fieldwork

We use different techniques to collect different types of plants, fish and insects. The way we collect aims to minimise damage to the environment.

Here are some methods used by Museum scientists to collect insects, plants and marine organisms.

  • A diver collecting nematode worms
    Collecting marine organisms

    Some marine organisms can be caught in nets from a boat but to catch others, scientists may have to dive down to the seabed.  Find out more.

  • Trapping insects
    Collecting insects

    Find out about the range of traps and techniques used by scientists to catch insects out in the field.

  • A scientist pressing plants between sheets of newspaper to preserve them
    Collecting plants

    Find out how scientists collect plants for the Museum's collections, and how they are preserved for the journey to the Museum.

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Cartoon image of a snake disappearing through closing door

There are 27 km of specimen shelves in the Darwin Centre - the same distance as between the Museum and Junction 6 of the M1.