NATURE lovers explored the origin of Darwin's theories as part of the borough's bid for World Heritage status.

Bromley Council is currently drawing up documents and a management plan to support the UK's Darwin at Downe bid for 2006.

The event last Saturday at High Elms Country Park, Farnborough, allowed adults and children to gain practical experience and follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps.

English Nature's regional policy officer for London, Peter Massini, said: "Charles Darwin's ideas which led to his theory of evolution were inspired by his voyage around the world.

"But it was his observations of plants and animals in the countryside around Downe which provided evidence which added weight to his theories."