“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?”
Sir David Attenborough
At Sapperton Wilder, engaging our community with the wonders of nature is a year-round mission. Sir David Attenborough has inspired people of all ages to take an interest in the natural world, and to celebrate the incredible milestone of his 100th birthday, we couldn’t think of a better tribute than putting his philosophy into action.
The day before Sir David’s birthday, we were delighted to welcome the brilliant Year 3 and 4 students from Sapperton Primary School for a hands-on morning of discovery – a “Birthday BioBlitz.”
Mini-Scientists in the Making
Armed with paper identification guides, magnifying glasses, and the Seek app, the children set off across our field to find and record as many species as possible living right on their doorstep.
Their enthusiasm was infectious! Whether it was crouching low to study an ant up close or looking up into the canopy of our ancient beech trees, the students were brimming with enthusiasm and curiosity.
What We Found
BioBlitz is all about a snapshot of biodiversity, and the children found a wonderful range of species. Some of the highlights from the morning included:
- Diverse Invertebrates: From ants to spiders, the children explored the hidden world in our grasslands.
- Flora & Fauna: Using their paper and digital ID guides, students identified native tree species and wildflowers, learning how each plays a vital role in our local ecosystem.
- Tech for Good: It was wonderful to see how the students used the Seek app to bridge the gap between technology and the natural world, recording their findings for our ongoing biodiversity records.
Protecting the Future
Events like these are vital. By engaging the next generation of naturalists, we aren’t just teaching them names of plants and insects; we are fostering a lifelong interest and love of the natural world.
We want to say a huge thank you to the staff and students of Sapperton Primary School for their energy and hard work. You reminded us all that the future of our planet is in very capable hands.
Happy Birthday, Sir David Attenborough! Thank you for inspiring us, and thank you for showing us and future generations why caring for nature and the environment matters so much.