There are a couple of new exhibitions at Abingdon County Hall Museum. Upstairs, in the attic, is a travelling exhibition about Warneford Hospital and the history of Mental Health treatment. In the Sessions Hall is an exhibition called ‘Wild Life – Abingdon in a Changing Climate’ which runs from 3 October to 23 December 2026.

The wildlife exhibition features large photographs taken by local photographers, most showing wildlife in the area. A few have a more obvious connection with climate change, including pictures of algae blooms and cracked earth.

One of the most remarkable items is a folder containing cuttings from John Killick’s contributions to the Oxford Times. He used to photograph and describe different plants found in Oxfordshire, and the collection runs to over 800 examples.

There are also films to watch. One, made by the Green Gym, shows wildlife recorded during their conservation exercises. Another, by Anonymous, called ‘By the River’ follows wildlife through the seasons in Abingdon. A speaker at the other end of the exhibition plays bird song recorded in Abingdon.

The exhibition includes paintings and other mixed-media portrayals of nature by Abingdon artists, including some younger ones. There is also information about the work of local wildlife groups, including how they monitor areas for wildlife, such as the River Ock. The exhibition has been created in collaboration with local groups including One Planet Abingdon, Abingdon Carbon Cutters, the Abingdon Naturalists Society, Abingdon Camera Club and the Green Gym.

The Museum is run by Abingdon Town Council.