main content Exploring in Darwin's footsteps with nature experts

Natural History Museum experts are coming to High Elms Country Park in the first of a series of 'hands on' nature demonstration events. The afternoon of activities on Saturday 21st May from 2-4 p.m. suitable for adults and children alike will demonstrate how many types of animal species can be found in ponds, bushes and meadows. Booking for the free afternoon is essential as there are limited spaces.

The events allow interested participants to gain practical experience and literally follow Darwin's footsteps. Darwin would recognise the locations where he developed his theories as the area is largely unchanged.

"Why not explore the rich variety of wildlife in the proposed World Heritage Site centred around Downe? You can look at some of the species of plants and animals that Charles Darwin observed and studied in the countryside around his home. Interestingly, they are probably relatives of those he studied. Come along and learn about nature and have fun at the same time" said Judith John, Proposed World Heritage Site Project Officer.

At the event on 21st May, specialists will show participants the wide variety of plants and animal life in ponds. A beetle expert will demonstrate how many beetles can be found in bushes, and botanists will be looking at plants of the meadows and how the plants and animals depend on one another. A specialist in soil biodiversity will also be there to show woodland soil 'minibeasts', some of which were first discovered and given names at High Elms by John Lubbock who lived there in Victorian times and was a friend of Charles Darwin.

During the summer, scientists from all over the country will be looking at plants and animals that Charles Darwin studied in the area during the 40 years he lived at Down House and seeing what has changed.

To book places, call 020 8461 7646 or e-mail conservation@bromley.gov.uk. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Other events in the proposed World Heritage Site this summer include:-

• June, Sun 12th Meet 2pm outside the entrance to St. Mary's Church, Downe village for a guided walk looking at some of the plants and their pollinators which Darwin studied in the countryside around Downe, and how they often depend on one another for survival. Distance: 2 ¾ miles.
• June, Sat 18th Open Day at Downe Bank Nature Reserve - Visit this beautiful Kent Wildlife Trust Reserve, Darwin's 'Orchid Bank', and learn about orchids, bees, wasps, butterflies and other invertebrates and how to identify them, with experts including specialists from Kent Wildlife Trust and the Natural History Museum (2-4pm). There will also be a demonstration of macro-photography techniques. Short guided walks at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30. Booking Essential. Please phone 020 8461 7646 or e-mail conservation@bromley.gov.uk. Parking available at Cudham Recreation Ground, walk from there, or for the less mobile a minibus or landrover will take you from there to the site at times to be arranged on booking.
• July, Sat 9th 10.30am. Meet at Cudham Recreation Ground, off Cudham Lane North, for a guided walk visiting places where Charles Darwin studied wildlife and look at some of the plants and animals he referred to in his books, notebooks and letters. Distance: 3 ¾ miles.
• July, Sat 30th The Great Glow Worm Hunt. Meet 9pm at High Elms Nature Centre. Learn how to find this fascinating beetle, help us to discover where they live and how many there are in High Elms Country Park. Please bring a torch and wear suitable footwear. Booking Essential. (Phone 01689 862815).
• September, Sat 3rd Wild Night. Meet 7pm Down House Car Park. See how a moth trap is set up by a moth expert from the Natural History Museum, then join a bat enthusiast looking and listening for bats. Return to see which moths have been caught. Please bring a torch and wear suitable footwear. Should finish by 10pm. Numbers limited, booking essential. Please phone 020 8461 7646 or e-mail conservation@bromley.gov.uk.
• September, 17th Autumn Spectacular at High Elms Nature Centre. Incredible Earthworms: the subject of a book by Darwin, see how many different species live at High Elms and learn about their lifestyles with earthworm experts from the University of Central Lancashire. Demonstrations from 2-4pm. Superb slime moulds: learn about these amazing organisms with one of very few experts in the country. Demonstrations and guided walks from 10.30 -4pm. Spider Safari: Demonstrations and a spider foray with London's spider recorder. 2-4pm. Terrific trees: Take a look at trees with Natural History Museum scientists and the plants and animals that live with them, 2-4pm. Booking Essential. Please phone 020 8461 7646 or e-mail conservation@bromley.gov.uk.
• September, Sun 18th 2.00pm. Meet at Keston Ponds Car Park, Westerham Road, Keston for a guided walk looking at places and wildlife familiar to Charles Darwin and how some of them have changed. Distance: 3 miles.

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 or Judith John, Proposed World Heritage Site Project Officer on 020 8313 4249 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.