I agree with you. I cannot begin to comprehend how empty my life would have been without my own connection to nature, an inate curiosity and sympathy which was fortunately nurtured by my parents, grandparents and circumstances — not least a 20 minute walk to and from school each day, in rural Kent. At primary school we always had a nature table and went for nature walks. It makes me hopeful to see that there are efforts to engage children and young people, whose surroundings and crowded lives are less congenial than my own upbringing, in understanding and caring for the natural world.
Thanks for your comment and sharing your nature connections. A great point raised about the walk to school - it's a perfect opportunity to start discovering nature. Whether an urban landscape (or rural Kent) learning to observe the natural world - its colours, characters and seasonal changes - can really start to broaden an outlook when compared to head down and passing by. For some that curiosity and observation seems almost innate, for others they learn from the adults around and for those who fit into neither category its so crucial we do what we can to teach this important skill so all young people have an opportunity develop their connections with nature.
I agree with you. I cannot begin to comprehend how empty my life would have been without my own connection to nature, an inate curiosity and sympathy which was fortunately nurtured by my parents, grandparents and circumstances — not least a 20 minute walk to and from school each day, in rural Kent. At primary school we always had a nature table and went for nature walks. It makes me hopeful to see that there are efforts to engage children and young people, whose surroundings and crowded lives are less congenial than my own upbringing, in understanding and caring for the natural world.
Thanks for your comment and sharing your nature connections. A great point raised about the walk to school - it's a perfect opportunity to start discovering nature. Whether an urban landscape (or rural Kent) learning to observe the natural world - its colours, characters and seasonal changes - can really start to broaden an outlook when compared to head down and passing by. For some that curiosity and observation seems almost innate, for others they learn from the adults around and for those who fit into neither category its so crucial we do what we can to teach this important skill so all young people have an opportunity develop their connections with nature.