main content Have your say on Darwin heritage proposal

An extensive consultation is underway about the World Heritage proposal for ‘Darwin at Downe’. Hundreds of local residents are being personally invited to give their views about the application that will put Charles Darwin’s work on the global map. Interested individuals and groups are also being invited to respond to the plans, which seek to protect Downe and promote understanding of Darwin’s theories.

“Your views are important - Darwin was actively involved with the community in and around Downe. Now is the time for Downe residents and the wider community to respond to the consultation. We know that people have different concerns which we have tried to address. Let us know your views - we want your support and feedback” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

Feedback about the draft nomination document and management plan will be used to produce the final two documents, which will be submitted to the Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and English Heritage later this year. The DCMS will then submit the finalised nomination and management plans to the World Heritage Centre in Paris by February 2006. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will make the final decision in July 2007, following a visit to the area.

Both the Nomination Document and Management Plan are available for viewing from local libraries, Down House and the Civic Centre. They can also be viewed online and downloaded at www.darwinatdowne.co.uk . Residents, landowners and local businesses within the boundaries of the proposed World Heritage Site will receive a letter and questionnaire providing information about the proposal. The consultation period closes on 21st August 2005.

Questionnaires should be returned to the Council’s World Heritage Team by using the freepost envelope which is provided with the questionnaire. Additional questionnaires are available by calling Rebecca Streatfeild, World Heritage Officer on 0208 461 7808. Alternatively, the questionnaire can be downloaded from www.darwinatdowne.co.uk  and returned using the freepost address.

ENDS

Editor’s notes:

• Bromley Council has taken the lead in the management of this project. The Council is supported by a core partnership of key organisations, including English Heritage, the Natural History Museum, English Nature, Charles Darwin Trust, Greater London Authority, London and Kent Wildlife Trusts, London Development Agency, ICOMOS and DCMS. 
• Many associated events have already taken place in support of the application including a series of biodiversity events and a partnership between schools in the UK and the Galapagos which led to a visit by Galapagos children to Downe.
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Rebecca Streatfeild, World Heritage Officer on 0208 461 7808 or email Rebecca.streatfeild@bromley.gov.uk