There is a universal value in Darwin’s work and ways of working
Darwin formulated his great ideas and theories over the many years he lived in Downe. Darwin’s ideas were inspired by his travels, by extensive reading and by interaction with other scientists. His ideas were then developed through his observations of plant and animal species around Downe.
The area was Darwin’s laboratory. Here he observed the natural world over long periods of time. He worked in the countryside and he worked inside Down House, in his study and in other rooms, even using the family drawing room. He synthesized his observations into an understanding of the mechanisms and life processes of plants and animals.
He noted their distribution, their interactions and their diversity. His observations provided much of the evidence for his globally relevant theories.
All this information will be available for formal and informal learning. Darwin’s spirit of enquiry and the significance of what Darwin achieved, can be captured by students and public alike. We can all be inspired to adopt a similar questioning approach to the natural world wherever we live.
Darwin's Landscape Laboratory encourages a greater understanding. The life processes Darwin studied are important and contribute to the continuing health of our planet.
Our mission
Our mission is to use the natural and built landscape of the Darwin Landscape Laboratory to develop knowledge and understanding of Darwin’s insights into natural life and their universal significance.
Our policies are to:
1
To promote understanding of the universal value of Darwin’s work
2
To promote understanding of the landscape, biological diversity and human influence within the World Heritage Site
3
To sustain the environment while achieving economic and educational aims
4
To develop Darwin-inspired learning within schools and through informal learning and to promote Darwin’s influence on current environmental and scientific thought
5
To ensure that learning experiences concerning the proposed WHS are inclusive and that the widest possible audience can be reached
6
To promote widest possible access to the site and its heritage while avoiding damage to its character and wildlife
7
To establish and develop links with local, national and international formal and informal education projects relevant to the site through a coherent and co-ordinated approach
8
To increase the use of the site for informal educational purposes without damaging the outstanding universal value of the site
9
To add to Darwin’s scientific data in the context of conservation education
10
To ensure that the historical period in which Darwin worked is fully understood in order to appreciate the significance of his work
11
To facilitate links with scientific studies relating to Darwin Landscape Laboratory, for example biodiversity and climate studies
Education resources
Contact English Heritage for Education Resources relating to Darwin and Down House.
