Blog by Rachel Dex, Founder of Think Galapagos
Earlier this summer, together with my Think Galapagos colleague Charlotte Wilson, I was lucky enough to attend a gala evening in London to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT). We met scientists, conservationists, philanthropists and donors who have been involved with GCT over the past 30 years, helping raise funds to support groundbreaking projects that have made a real difference to the wildlife and communities across the Archipelago.
It was an inspirational evening full of people whose lives have been touched forever by the magic of Galapagos and who are determined to tackle key threats to the unique biodiversity of the Islands, including invasive species, pollution, climate change and overfishing.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that, without the conservation projects that GCT and partners have supported over the past 30 years, we would have seen more extinctions, fewer fish in the ocean, weaker environmental protections and a growing disconnection between people and nature in the Archipelago.
Instead, we can celebrate whole islands cleared of invasive species, an expanded nature reserve, pioneering legislation to protect the Islands and an incredible community of Galapagos-born conservation leaders, researchers and educators who we just know are going to do amazing things over the next 30 years.” Jen Jones, Galapagos Conservation Trust – Our Vision for Galapagos in 2050
Think Galapagos Donation to Fundraising Auction: Guided Tour of Charles Darwin’s House
Think Galapagos are delighted to be able to donate this exclusive prize to the Galapagos Conservation Trust fundraising auction:
A guided tour for two people to Down House in Kent, home of world-famous naturalist Charles Darwin. You will be accompanied by Angela Darwin, whose husband was a direct descendant of Darwin. Together, you will see the study where Darwin’s Theory of Evolution came to life, the gardens where he took his daily walks and much more.
The lucky winner will arrange a time to suit them, directly with Angela, who lives in London.
Click here to make a bid for this prize.
Good luck and thank you for supporting Galapagos Conservation Trust. You can read about their 30-year journey here: https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/30-years-of-galapagos-conservation-trust/
About Down House, Home of Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin lived at Down House in Kent with his family for 40 years. It is here that he worked on his revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection and wrote ‘On the Origin of Species’, the book that shook the world and changed the course of scientific thinking.
Visitors to the house can step into Charles and his wife Emma’s bedroom, recreated by English Heritage as it would have been when they lived there. This is the room in which Darwin died in 1882 after a series of illnesses. The room features novels Darwin would have read, and a soundscape to conjure the experience of Emma reading to her husband. The rest of the house, including his world-famous study, has also been faithfully recreated as a Victorian family home.
Outside, you will visit the garden, Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’, where he spent many hours making observations and conducting his experiments. As well as the greenhouse, which was used to rear exotic plant specimens and the ‘Sandwalk’, the famous ‘thinking’ path that Darwin strolled down most days to reflect upon the beauty of the natural world and his theories.
During this private tour, you will be escorted by Angela Darwin, who will be able to give you exclusive insights into Down House and how it was restored from a girls’ school, to how it was when Charles Darwin lived in it with his family, complete with furnishings and belongings lent by Angela’s family. Your visit will be embellished by family stories and Angela’s passion for the history of Darwin and his work.
