YOUNGSTERS can become bug detectives during the school holidays, searching out creepy crawlies in the historic gardens of Down House, home of famous scientist Charles Darwin.

Every Monday and Tuesday during August, visiting children can go on a trail armed with sheets to help identify the insects they can spot.

The fun bug hunt is suitable for children up to 10-years-old.

Darwin studied insects at his Kent home while researching his theory of evolution.

This summer experts are recreating some of his studies with projects which include a survey of butterflies in the surrounding meadows.

Visitors this month can also see a new glass-sided observation beehive where they can get up close to honeybees without getting stung.

Other unusual attractions include gruesome insect-eating plants.

Darwin is famed for re- writing mankind's understanding of evolution. His theories, explained in his book The Origin Of The Species, caused massive controversy within the church and Victorian society.

He moved to Down House in the village of Downe, Kent, in 1842 and lived there until his death in 1882.

The house and its grounds are currently being considered for for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Down House, Luxted Road, Downe. Admission £6.90/£5.20 concs/£3.50 children/£17.30 family ticket. For more information, call 01689 859119 or visit english-heritage.org.uk