HMS Beagle to be rebuilt (From Milford Mercury)

HMS Beagle to be rebuilt

10:11am Monday 17th July 2006

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THE ship that helped Charles Darwin explore the theories of evolution could be rebuilt in Milford Haven as part of an exciting new project.

HMS Beagle was Darwin's home for five years as he studied the natural world for his journal The Voyage Of The Beagle,' which laid the foundations for many of the theories explored in his most famous work, The Origin Of The Species.' Now the organisers of The Beagle Project plan to rebuild the tall-ship from scratch and station her in Milford marina.

David Lort-Phillips, Beagle Project founder, said funds in the region of £3m would need to be raised to recreate the magnificent 27.5 metre ship.

A team of German tall-ship specialists have already begun drawing up plans for the ship and would work alongside local labour in Milford Haven during construction.

Mr Lort-Phillips said he believed the Beagle, weighing in at 235 tonnes, would take about 14 months to complete. The target is for the Beagle to be ready by February 2009, the bi-centenary of Charles Darwin's birth.

Mr Lort-Phillips said: "Milford Haven Port Authority has been very supportive of the project for a long time and everyone decided that Milford was the best place to house the project, and they have suggested a site alongside the marina.

"With the bi-centenary coming up there didn't seem to be much happening in the UK to mark the occasion, but this project will help Milford Haven take pride of place in the celebrations taking place all over the world."

He added: "With the Dunbrody you could see how people gather for tall-ships, they are a great draw. But the Beagle will be much more than a tourist attraction, she will be built to actually go to sea with young scientists."

The Beagle Project will be launched nationwide this month with a fundraising and publicity drive to follow. A trust is to be set up and businesses and organisations invited to get involved.

See www.thebeagleproject.com for regular updates.

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