A FENLAND wildlife site is at the centre of a new initiative to preserve the legacy of Captain Scott, who made an ill-fated journey to the South Pole 100 years ago.
It was Captain Scott’s son Peter who founded the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust at Welney - and now the Captain’s grandchildren are launching the Inspiring Generations scheme to honour their famous ancestor.
Inspirational Captain Scott is remembered for his incredible bravery. But possibly Scott’s most influential deed took place inside a tent, in minus seventy degrees.
On March 29th 1912, Scott wrote to his wife in his dying moments, “I am anxious for you and the boy’s future – make the boy interested in natural history if you can, it is better than games, they encourage at some schools – I know you will keep him out in the open air.”
The ‘boy’ he referred to was two-year-old Peter, who became Sir Peter Scott. Those simple words inspired Peter to found WWT, set up ground-breaking conservation projects, and bring his vision of WWT Welney to reality.
WWT wants history to repeat itself, so with the help of the Scott grandchildren, Falcon, Dafila and Nicola, it is launching the Inspiring Generations initiative.
It consists of two parts, a letters campaign and a fundraising appeal to give under-privileged children the chance to visit Welney and be inspired by the natural world.
The public are being invited to write a letter that includes a request to inspire future generations with an interest in wildlife.
The winning letters will be posted on from Antarctica, and signed by the Scott grandchildren. The writer of the winning letter will win a holiday.
Captain Scott’s grandson Falcon said: “It would be great if everyone could do their bit to inspire others to share their love of the natural world.”
WWT Welney Centre Manager Julie Ward said: “Sir Peter Scott’s experiences of watching wildfowl fly out from the Ouse washes at dawn cemented the inspiration his father began in his letter from Antarctica.”
“Today WWT Welney provides opportunities for future generations to nurture their interest in the natural world and experience some of the UK’s best wildlife spectacles.”
For more information, visit: www.wwt.org.uk/inspire; www.scott100letters.org; and www.wwt.org.uk
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