A sail boat converted into a 'floating training lab' inspired by the work of Charles Darwin has arrived in Kent today.

The impressive Pelican of London, first built in 1948 as an Arctic Trawler, docked at Folkestone Harbour this morning.

Its arrival is part of the Darwin 200 project, a global initiative aiming to change the world by following in the footsteps of Darwin and his voyage on HMS Beagle in the 1800s.

Darwin, who published his theory of evolution in the1859 book On the Origin of Species, documented his journeys on the vessel, including in the book The Voyage of the Beagle.

As part of the Darwin 200 project, which will launch in 2021, 200 young scientists, aged 18 to 24, will learn new skills which they will need to help conserve the world of tomorrow.

The scientists will come on board the ship in groups of five stopping at every port that Darwin voyaged in 200 years ago.

While on board they will undergo an intense period of training by a group of world-renowned scientists and conservationists to measure the impact of change over the last 200 years.

Today's arrival in Kent signals the start of the UK-wide initiative - ahead of next year's launch.

For this part, 10 scientists will carry out a detailed programme throughout the 59-day project journey around the country.

Dr Sarah Darwin, Charles Darwin’s Great-Great-Granddaughter, said of the project: "I am very supportive of this incredible project.

"Using Charles Darwin’s voyage on HMS Beagle as a framework to highlight environmental change as well as the beauty of nature is a timely and noble ambition."

Jarvis Homes, a family run building company, is involved with the project, further enhancing their own sustainability ethos in building their homes.

Holly Jarvis from Jarvis Homes said: "We are honoured to be involved with the Darwin 200 project and thrilled to see the ship in Folkestone Harbour.

"As a building company we take sustainability seriously, and try to use the most ecological methods and materials to build our homes.

"Our houses are always on low density sites with as much landscaping and planting as possible to support the local environment.

"The Darwin 200 project is an excellent global initiative to safeguard the next generation of conservation and we wish them luck with the project."

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