Inspired by nature: child's play

Young people’s early experiences are vital in their appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Children connect to place through physical interactions; touch, sight, and smell. These sensory encounters with nature are vital in developing positive attitudes. Such constructed experiences are exemplified by the early lives of the naturalists Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, Charles Elton and Rachel Carson. I have used biographical, ecological and educational literature to analysis these influential individuals, in order to gain a better understanding of how their early life experiences formed their ecological baseline perspective. My conclusion is that these individuals had access to nature at their developmental stage, which promoted an appreciation of the environment and desire to understand and protect it. The natural world can inspire us all, but first, as children, we must have enough space and time to fully appreciate its wonders.