Darwin anniversary plans

A nationwide programme of events is planned for 2009 to celebrate the life and work of Charles Darwin as Shropshire also prepares to pay homage to one of its most famous sons.

The great naturalist was born on February 12, 1809, and in November, 150 years will have passed since On The Origin Of Species was published in which Darwin introduced his theory of evolution. The programme to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, called Darwin200, involves museums, universities, schools, and theatre and dance companies around the country.

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council is also supporting the scheme as well as co-ordinating a host of events in the town where Darwin was born.

Projects include a CD of songs relating to Darwin, the Quantum Leap statue and lectures about the great man.

London's Natural History Museum will unveil a permanent art installation consisting of a wafer-thin longitudinal section of an entire 200-year-old oak tree including the roots, trunk and branches.

Tree, by artist Tania Kovats, is inspired by Darwin's "tree of life" sketch, representing the branching pathways of evolution.

The museum is also due to open in September the eight-storey £78 million second phase of its Darwin Centre and the Royal Mail will be issuing a set of 10 Darwin stamps to celebrate the bicentenary.

More information can be found online at www.darwin200.org