A museum is asking for the public's help by purchasing gifts from its wish list.

The Chiltern Open Air Museum (COAM), an independent charity, has launched the appeal as the festive season approaches.

The museum says it relies on public donations as it raises all of its own income to fund its operations.

Inside the Iron Age Roundhouse School Workshop at COAMInside the Iron Age Roundhouse School Workshop at COAM (Image: Chiltern Open Air Museum)

Martin Curtis, the chief executive at COAM, said: "With costs continually rising and a lot of wet weather this year (which is not good if you're an outdoor museum) it has become more challenging to generate the income we need to keep everything going.

"We're asking you to dig deep and support us."

The outdoor museum is a hub for educational and community wellbeing activities.

It has been recognised in the Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards for its accessible tourism and its award-winning education programme.

The programme involves immersive workshops led by costumed educators for more than 10,000 school children a year.

COAM also provides bursaries to schools with a high number of pupils with additional needs and those in receipt of the Pupil Premium, allowing them to visit the museum.

The museum, which spans 45 acres and houses a collection of 37 historic buildings, is also a place for community wellbeing.

Britain at war eventBritain at war event (Image: Chiltern Open Air Museum)

In a recent survey of its more than 200 volunteers, 100 per cent of respondents said that volunteering at the site improved their wellbeing.

COAM's Accompanied Walks programme, which supports the wellbeing of more than 750 people experiencing conditions such as social isolation, dementia, bereavement, and unpaid carers, won the Best Local Social Prescribing Project award.

The site, which also features heritage craft demonstrations and a vast events programme full of re-enactment battles and living history, has earned a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

Those who can support the museum can find its wish list at www.coam.org.uk/coam-wish-list.

Though the museum is closed to the public for much of the winter, it will open for a special Festive Weekend on the 7th and 8th December.