Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory, Charles Darwin's home and workplace, has been chosen as the UK’s 2009 nomination to become a World Heritage Site.

The nomination document was prepared by the London Borough of Bromley, which worked in partnership with a number of local bodies and English Heritage.

The nomination, together with those from other countries submitted by UNESCO’s deadline of 1 February 2009, will be assessed by the World Heritage Committee over the next 18 months.

A final decision on inscription will be made by the World Heritage Committee at its annual meeting in the summer of 2010.

Making the announcement, culture secretary Andy Burnham said: "World Heritage Sites are usually associated with cultural landmarks like the Great Wall of China and Stonehenge or outstanding natural landscapes like the Grand Canyon National Park.

"But it is also essential to acknowledge scientific endeavour and discovery, which are both key components in our understanding of environmental conservation.

"The World Heritage Committee called for nominations for the World Heritage List to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements of science and Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory nomination does just this. I am delighted to submit this formal nomination.”