A NEW exhibition will explore the influence of the natural world on the lives and work of the Brontes.

The Brontes and the Wild opens at the parsonage museum in Haworth on February 1, and will run throughout the year.

After Patrick Bronte brought his young family to Haworth in 1820, the surrounding moorlands became central to the creative lives of his children.

A main element of the exhibition will be the Bronte family's annotated copy of A History of British Birds, by Thomas Bewick, which was recently acquired by the museum from the Blavatnik Honresfield Library.

Other highlights will include poetry manuscripts by Emily and Charlotte, early printed works by Patrick Bronte, two wood blocks on loan from the Wordsworth Trust, and first editions of Poems by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell and Wuthering Heights.

Ann Dinsdale – principal curator at the museum, who is co-curating the exhibition with Sarah Laycock – says: "The parsonage leads directly out onto the moor and its closeness and the wild freedom it offered were instrumental in the lives of the young family.

"In the paintings, drawings, poetry and fiction of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne, we see their escape into the landscape – and The Brontes and the Wild will highlight the influence it had on their lives."

Alongside the exhibition, the museum’s wider programme for next year will also draw on the natural world.

Sassy Holmes, programme officer at the Bronte Parsonage Museum, says: "The exhibition is a catalyst for us to consider the dramatic landscape that was such an important feature of the young Brontes’ lives – and highlight our own environmental responsibilities, as well as the role of nature in our wellbeing.

"Throughout the year we will be working with artists, writers and partners to complement the exhibition."

From February, the museum will display an exhibition of woodcuts and charcoal drawings by Angie Rogers, depicting the flora and fauna of the local landscape.

In April, an installation – Hardy and Free – by award-winning Bradford-based photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn will tell the diverse stories of a selection of women, through photography and audio.

Environmental artist Winston Plowes will lead four seasonal outdoor workshops exploring the connections between creative writing and land art.

And there will be a display of items from the this year's hit film Emily, including a copy of the screenplay signed by actress and director Frances O'Connor.