Science and Research at Darwin's Landscape Laboratory
Darwin’s observations, methods of working and simple experimental design have great value for scientists investigating current problems of nature conservation. A full research programme is being developed.
Darwin had an important influence on the rise of ecology. He noted the significance of biodiversity in the natural world.
Darwin’s methods inspire an appreciation of nature and of the problems confronting nature – loss of species and reduction of biodiversity. Helping a deeper understanding of these issues promotes nature conservation locally and globally.
Darwin recognised the importance of geology and of the study of fossils. He recognised human ancestry as a process of evolution in common with all living things. He removed the boundary between man and animals. He started the exchange of ideas between studies of man and of animals.
Darwin recognised that geology, climate and weather underpin and create the landscape over eons of time. That the landscape then evolves through the interaction of landforms, plants, and animals, including people.
The Darwin's Landscape Laboratory appears today to be much as it was in Darwin’s lifetime. But its habitats have been changed through human intervention. The process of habitat change began happening long before Darwin’s time and continues today.
