A 200-year-old tree from Longleat Safari Park near Warminster has become a permanent exhibit at the Natural History Museum in London.

A wafer-thin section of the 17-metre tall oak, including roots, trunk and branches, now features on the ceiling of a gallery in the museum, to commemorate the life of Charles Darwin.

The exhibit is inspired by Darwin’s iconic tree of life diagram, which represents his theory of evolution.

Paul Grugeon, of Longleat, said: “I think the estate is very proud to be part of a lasting memorial to a great scientist.

“It’s a beautiful piece of work. Let’s hope it stays on the ceiling for as long as it stayed in the grounds.”

As part of Longleat’s forest sustainability programme, another 200 oak saplings have been planted on the estate, one of which was planted by owner Lord Bath, to commemorate the life of the tree, as well as what would have been Darwin 200th birthday.

The oak tree was taken apart in sections, split length ways, dried and then put together again for the exhibit in London, which launched last Wednesday. (March 19) It was created by British artist Tania Kovats and is the largest botany specimen on display at the museum and the only contemporary work permanently installed in the Grade I listed building.