A RENOWNED natural history collection is to be moved out of a South Lakeland museum.

There had been fears that the famed collection of wildlife artefacts housed at Kendal Museum would be broken up and moved out of the area.

But reassurances were given this week that the collection would not be dismantled and is to be relocated within Cumbria.

It has emerged that Kendal College, which now operates the museum, is examining the removal of the Lake District Natural History Gallery in order to free up desperately needed space.

Louise Shrapnel, director of finance and resources at Kendal College, said worries that the collection was to be broken up was unfounded adding that the college was in negotiation with the Brockhole Visitor Centre, near Windermere, with a view to moving the collection there.

But Marianne Birkby, who is a regular at the museum, said she remained concerned and questioned the relocation plans.

"It's a very popular collection and I don't see why the museum is going to so much time and trouble to free up such a small space," said Ms Birkby.

She added that the collection, which offers a range of 'dioramas,' scenes featuring models of regional wildlife scenes including birds of prey and geological exhibits, had been invaluable in helping her work as an illustrator of a number of award-winning books about the countryside.

Kendal Museum, which was founded in 1796, was previously managed by South Lakes District Council, but responsibility was passed to the college a decade ago as part of a leasing agreement.

A new 10 year leasing agreement was signed in July this year, under which the annual management fee the council pays to the college was reduced from £104,000 to £30,000.

Council officials said at the time the new arrangement benefited all parties and allowed the college greater freedom to develop the museum's activities and to display more artefacts.

But since then, museum regulars have expressed worries over the future of the Natural History Gallery as the museum leans towards more interactive displays.

Ms Birkby said the Gallery was "arguably the most important part of the museum," and said many of the display cases were specially designed and therefore she felt there would be serious problems relocating them.

She added that she had a further concern over the wellbeing of the collection if it was taken away from the professional curators at the museum.

However, Ms Shrapnel said a series of meetings with the Brockhole centre had already taken place and it was hoped this would provide a suitable alternative location.

She added that the college was committed to developing the museum and added that it was hoped opening hours, which are currently restricted to Tuesday and Thursday, could in the near future be extended.

A spokesperson for Brockhole confirmed the arrangement had been discussed and that the logistics and cost of transporting the dioramas had been examined, but stressed that a number of issues still needed to be addressed.